Keel Designs for O22?

[Ed Hebert]

Hi - I'm a beginning sailor investigating the purchase of an OD22. In discussions with the boat's current owner, he stated that the keel is a fixed, shoal draft keel (not a swing keel like the one featured in the specifications section of this site). So far, I've only been able to find information on the specs for the swing keel version. Did the OD22 ever come in a fixed keel version? And, if so, can you tell me anything more about it? What is the draft of this keel? How do the sailing characteristics compare to the swing keel version? Thanks in advance for you help.

 

[al gillberg]

mine is a fixed

my 022 is a fixed keel- it draws about 2 feet (1'11" say the specs) -very nice boat - have read in the forum about some swing keel boats sticking- will never happen to this one - but always wonder if the later "swing keel" added to the sailing performance - probably did- but I am happy with my fixed- It points quite well - Algae

 

[Mike]

On the 23 it makes a difference

The Oday 23 has a very similar hull shape to the 22 (its just a little bigger a lot heavier), and the board makes a big difference in sailing qualities. I sometimes forget to lower the board until after I raise my sails. This happened on Saturday, and upon lowering the board, I could immediately point a good five or more degrees closer to the wind. I think the board also adds some (although not much) stability. You are probably right to notice that sticking centerboards are a common problem, especially on twenty year old boats. However, the keel/centerboard design is to me the best compromise for those of us who sail in shallow areas but still like the security of internal ballast.

 

[Stu Timm]

Centerboard vs. Shoal keel

Hi Ed;I have a 1979 Oday 22 centerboard. The centerboard fits into a hollowed-out shoal keel of lead. The shoal keel is very similar (if not identical) to the keel that is offered on the shoal draft (fixed keel) models. I've heard from folks who owned shoal draft 22's and they noted that the centerboard model performs better in terms of pointing. I can attest to that opinion as my boat's best point of sailing is on the reach.The centerboard is very easy to use and is simply built, making maintenance a non-issue. Just make sure the pennant line is in good shape when you launch in the Springtime. The trunk is entirely outside the hull and is easily cleaned (when the boat's hauled) with a simple scraping tool. Just make sure that the boat is chocked up high enough for the board to drop clear of the opening into the keelThere's no pulleys or gizmos to aid the lifting of the 60 pound board, and it's relatively easy to do. Don't try to lift it under load though, as the effort is doubled. The only drawback is slight turbulance around the pennant line while reaching in a strong breeze (humming and high pitched vibrations) as well as the pennant tube protruding into the space under the companionway step. Other than that, the centerboard adds a great deal of flexability to the boat and is great in heavier winds. In light winds, you really don't need it as it tends to rattle around in the trunk when the boat is rolling.Hope that helps,Happy Sailing!Stu Timm"Karakahl" 1979 Oday 22 CBCenterport, NY