I am considering reducing the depth of keel (lead) on Catlina 30 by 4-6" from current 4'4". Any insights on stability/performance impact and techniques to complete reduction are welcome and appreciated.
Keel reduction
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Don't do it
This topic comes up from time to time. I'm not a marine architect--and you should consult one if you do go ahead with this--but the consensus is that it will negatively affect stability and upwind performance. It will also affect resale value. Like Jim said, all that work for a couple of inches of draft?
This topic comes up from time to time. I'm not a marine architect--and you should consult one if you do go ahead with this--but the consensus is that it will negatively affect stability and upwind performance. It will also affect resale value. Like Jim said, all that work for a couple of inches of draft?
I can see the ad now:
Motivated seller offers ultra-shoal draft Catlina 30 for immediate sale. High winds not required to bury the rail on this lightweight beauty! Thanks to extensive owner modifications, this vessel draws no more than a Grand Banks 30, and sails every bit as well! Your chance to own the only boat in the marina that can sail sideways. All offers considered.
Motivated seller offers ultra-shoal draft Catlina 30 for immediate sale. High winds not required to bury the rail on this lightweight beauty! Thanks to extensive owner modifications, this vessel draws no more than a Grand Banks 30, and sails every bit as well! Your chance to own the only boat in the marina that can sail sideways. All offers considered.
A little off the Bottom, Please!!
Check out this site. I also want to take a little off the bottom to combat the falling lake levels from time to time. The admiral won't hear of it. http://www.marsmetal.com/newpages/torpedobulbs.html
Check out this site. I also want to take a little off the bottom to combat the falling lake levels from time to time. The admiral won't hear of it. http://www.marsmetal.com/newpages/torpedobulbs.html
Shorter keel
Look at your sailing charts carefully. 4 to 6 inches buy you less than 20 feet on typical slope of share lines. It can be done but you need to add a bulb to conpensate the weight lost for proper righting capability. Trying to sell the boat later is another story. 4'-6" should be consider shoal keel. My boat draws 5'-6" and I know all about shallow water. If you anchor, just buy a dingy and drop the hook further out. If the marina is getting shallower, find another one. The water level is going to drop more than 6 inches in the next few years. Mark my words. Climate change is coming. At least sailors contribute very little to that. When it drop to a point I can't sail anymore, I'll buy a motor boat.
Look at your sailing charts carefully. 4 to 6 inches buy you less than 20 feet on typical slope of share lines. It can be done but you need to add a bulb to conpensate the weight lost for proper righting capability. Trying to sell the boat later is another story. 4'-6" should be consider shoal keel. My boat draws 5'-6" and I know all about shallow water. If you anchor, just buy a dingy and drop the hook further out. If the marina is getting shallower, find another one. The water level is going to drop more than 6 inches in the next few years. Mark my words. Climate change is coming. At least sailors contribute very little to that. When it drop to a point I can't sail anymore, I'll buy a motor boat.
Maybe not lame....
Just expensive. I've seen articles about decreasing the draft by compensating with a bulb or somesuch mass of lead. Essentially converting from fin to wing keel configuraton. But, I doubt that the few inches saved is worth the expense.
Just expensive. I've seen articles about decreasing the draft by compensating with a bulb or somesuch mass of lead. Essentially converting from fin to wing keel configuraton. But, I doubt that the few inches saved is worth the expense.
Impulse, I too sail out of the Bay Shore area
I draw 2'3". Although I rarely touch bottom (my rudder hits first and gives me warning), I know my waters fairly well and that includes the channels and sandbars. Cutting 6" off a four foot six keel will still limit you to much the same area you can currently sail Now, if you were to cut two feet off, and then split the cut off piece into two and bolt them each side of the remaining stub, then you would be able to use the resulting leeway to slide sideways into some neat shallow places! *pop
I draw 2'3". Although I rarely touch bottom (my rudder hits first and gives me warning), I know my waters fairly well and that includes the channels and sandbars. Cutting 6" off a four foot six keel will still limit you to much the same area you can currently sail Now, if you were to cut two feet off, and then split the cut off piece into two and bolt them each side of the remaining stub, then you would be able to use the resulting leeway to slide sideways into some neat shallow places! *pop
Swap keels
I just looked at a few C30's on yachtworld - a 3"10" keel seems pretty common - If they are - I'd look for a used one (hurricane remnants maybe)and investigate the cost of swapping - I definitely would not do a custom job of any kind. - and the price would have to be pretty good - relative to the cost of the boat and your desire to keep it for a while As far as stability - it shouldn't change much - the 3'10" version should be heavier by 2 - 300 pounds As far performance - its the same old story - your going to give some up - going upwind.
I just looked at a few C30's on yachtworld - a 3"10" keel seems pretty common - If they are - I'd look for a used one (hurricane remnants maybe)and investigate the cost of swapping - I definitely would not do a custom job of any kind. - and the price would have to be pretty good - relative to the cost of the boat and your desire to keep it for a while As far as stability - it shouldn't change much - the 3'10" version should be heavier by 2 - 300 pounds As far performance - its the same old story - your going to give some up - going upwind.
Impulse,
I have to agree with all on this for the couple of inches your not going to gain much and I too sail out of Bay Shore and the only time I've ever worried about whats under me is when I'm over near the beach and I sail all over the bay. Even though I draw 3'8" my depth alarm is set for 4'6" and it never goes off are you docked in a shallow canal and need reduction to get out?
I have to agree with all on this for the couple of inches your not going to gain much and I too sail out of Bay Shore and the only time I've ever worried about whats under me is when I'm over near the beach and I sail all over the bay. Even though I draw 3'8" my depth alarm is set for 4'6" and it never goes off are you docked in a shallow canal and need reduction to get out?
reduced draft
i recall reading in one of my sailing rags of a couple that bought a hunter or catalina in the 42 foot range and did exstensive refit/updates that included sawing off a large amount of the keel. He weighed the boat before and after cutting the keel as well as weighing the sawed off piece. He then added that weight back in the bilge area. Forget what he used for weight, bigger battery bank was some of it. I think he was satisfied with the outcome. He spent mega bucks refitting the boat and she looked most beautiful. Try "Lattitudes and Attitudes", "Sailing", Or "Good Old Boat".
i recall reading in one of my sailing rags of a couple that bought a hunter or catalina in the 42 foot range and did exstensive refit/updates that included sawing off a large amount of the keel. He weighed the boat before and after cutting the keel as well as weighing the sawed off piece. He then added that weight back in the bilge area. Forget what he used for weight, bigger battery bank was some of it. I think he was satisfied with the outcome. He spent mega bucks refitting the boat and she looked most beautiful. Try "Lattitudes and Attitudes", "Sailing", Or "Good Old Boat".
As you calculate the change in ballast
wieght don't forget to figure the change in ballast location and how it will affect the righting moment. Picture a see-saw, any two people can balance one but the larger one must be closer to the pivot.
wieght don't forget to figure the change in ballast location and how it will affect the righting moment. Picture a see-saw, any two people can balance one but the larger one must be closer to the pivot.
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