I would like to know what problems and there are with a fixed keel boat? I have a swing keel, and I am aware of the problems that go with it, but I very seldom hear about what has to be done to the fixed keel boats. For example: how often if at all do the keel bolts have to be replaced and how big a job is it to do? I am sure that it is not just us swingers that have problems. Just thought this might be an interesting thread. Thanks Dale
Keel Problems
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Keel - Stubby - swing
Dale, there are some, but rare, problems associated with fixed keels, the 'Catalina Smile' for instance, corroded bolts, separation from the stubby, but these are not normal. Of course I have had this happen, but have owned been round it long time + a jinx with yachts...;-) Point: mucho moreo problemos associated with swing keels than with fixed due to moving parts and corrosion being hard to access etc. How long? NEVER! A big job, read huge, job only to be done with highly knowledgable guys and at a boatyard; seldom happens tho.
Dale, there are some, but rare, problems associated with fixed keels, the 'Catalina Smile' for instance, corroded bolts, separation from the stubby, but these are not normal. Of course I have had this happen, but have owned been round it long time + a jinx with yachts...;-) Point: mucho moreo problemos associated with swing keels than with fixed due to moving parts and corrosion being hard to access etc. How long? NEVER! A big job, read huge, job only to be done with highly knowledgable guys and at a boatyard; seldom happens tho.
My 2-cents About Fixed Keels
A few years back, when I was 'boat shopping' for a fixed keel vessel, I decided that: 1. Go with external, rather than internal ballast. (If/when I ran aground, I wanted metal hitting the hard, rather than a surrounding fiberglass encapsulation.) 2. For the big chunk of metal (the ballast) bolted to the bottom of the hull, go with lead rather than iron. (...didn't want to worry about rust problems.) Others may argue, but that's my story and I'm sticking to it.
A few years back, when I was 'boat shopping' for a fixed keel vessel, I decided that: 1. Go with external, rather than internal ballast. (If/when I ran aground, I wanted metal hitting the hard, rather than a surrounding fiberglass encapsulation.) 2. For the big chunk of metal (the ballast) bolted to the bottom of the hull, go with lead rather than iron. (...didn't want to worry about rust problems.) Others may argue, but that's my story and I'm sticking to it.
Keels
There are fixed keels that are bolted on... which need to be watched. There are fixed keels that are hollow with bilge pumps down 6'. There are fixed keels with internal lead ballast... no problem. Everything is a compromise. I opt for a modified keel with a skeg hung rudder. Keeps the lobster buoys somewhat at bay and off the rudder.
There are fixed keels that are bolted on... which need to be watched. There are fixed keels that are hollow with bilge pumps down 6'. There are fixed keels with internal lead ballast... no problem. Everything is a compromise. I opt for a modified keel with a skeg hung rudder. Keeps the lobster buoys somewhat at bay and off the rudder.
But what
but what is the goops underneath of the keel washers? edit: I ask this because, on my Hunter 23, there is some minor crackingof the gelcoat (and perhaps deeper?), but it does not seem to be a structural issue at the moment. Should I just fill with epoxy? The apparent cause is that the hunter 23 does not have a flat-bottom bilge, and so the washers are not on the same plane as the keel bolts, but seated in the vee
but what is the goops underneath of the keel washers? edit: I ask this because, on my Hunter 23, there is some minor crackingof the gelcoat (and perhaps deeper?), but it does not seem to be a structural issue at the moment. Should I just fill with epoxy? The apparent cause is that the hunter 23 does not have a flat-bottom bilge, and so the washers are not on the same plane as the keel bolts, but seated in the vee
Fixed Keels
Ive got a 75 boat with a cast Iron fin keel and steel keel bolts. No problems period. I do pay attention to the joint which is bedded with 3m 5200. If I see any loose compound I dig it out and apply some new 5200. Not a big deal. If I see any rust spots or pit marks I grind them off and touch up with pettit metal paint. Not a big deal either. In my experience Ive found fixed keels to be mostly trouble free. Bob
Ive got a 75 boat with a cast Iron fin keel and steel keel bolts. No problems period. I do pay attention to the joint which is bedded with 3m 5200. If I see any loose compound I dig it out and apply some new 5200. Not a big deal. If I see any rust spots or pit marks I grind them off and touch up with pettit metal paint. Not a big deal either. In my experience Ive found fixed keels to be mostly trouble free. Bob
Biggest problem
The biggest problem with fixed keels is that when you run a ground you cannot raise the keel and sail off. That is relatively little compared to the multitude of issues caused by swing keel mechanisms in salt water.
The biggest problem with fixed keels is that when you run a ground you cannot raise the keel and sail off. That is relatively little compared to the multitude of issues caused by swing keel mechanisms in salt water.
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