I want to know how to remove the existing keel and replace it with a newer shoal draft keel (with bulb/winglet) on the bottom. I am looking to reduce my draft (currently 4'3"). Does any body know the how-to? How much would a new style keel cost? Can the existing one be cut and get bulb/winglets added? (It would be of equal weight of the section that would be cut/removed from original keel, of course)
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Not worth it !
Marc, It is true it can be done and Mars Metal provides a lot of info. but consider this: 1) Ross is right it is not a DIY project, particularly if your keel is steel. 2) your cost even if you were to try doing it yourself would be way too high as compared with the current value of your boat. Don't forget you will not be adding to its value and might even bring it down for future buyers (sooner or later you'll sell that boat!) who may have hesitations when looking at a boat with major changes like this. 3) What is the purpose of changing the keel? Your draft is only 4'3 which is pretty darn good for your area. I have a 34 with the same draft on Lake of Two Mountains and I do not have a problem with draft. 4) If you absolutely MUST have a lesser draft, I'd suggest to sell your current boat and get one with a centerboard. On a same size boat you might be able to find one with something like 3'6" or 3'9". Which would only net you 6 or 9" lesser draft. Again in the Montreal area I do not believe it's a difference worthwhile of all the trouble of either changing the keel or changing boats. You can contact me if you want. Good luck
Marc, It is true it can be done and Mars Metal provides a lot of info. but consider this: 1) Ross is right it is not a DIY project, particularly if your keel is steel. 2) your cost even if you were to try doing it yourself would be way too high as compared with the current value of your boat. Don't forget you will not be adding to its value and might even bring it down for future buyers (sooner or later you'll sell that boat!) who may have hesitations when looking at a boat with major changes like this. 3) What is the purpose of changing the keel? Your draft is only 4'3 which is pretty darn good for your area. I have a 34 with the same draft on Lake of Two Mountains and I do not have a problem with draft. 4) If you absolutely MUST have a lesser draft, I'd suggest to sell your current boat and get one with a centerboard. On a same size boat you might be able to find one with something like 3'6" or 3'9". Which would only net you 6 or 9" lesser draft. Again in the Montreal area I do not believe it's a difference worthwhile of all the trouble of either changing the keel or changing boats. You can contact me if you want. Good luck
Hal Roth
I'm not sure how much time Hal Roth has spent on the Chesapeake but if he ever tried to get through places like Knapps or Kent Narrows he wouldn't feel that way.
I'm not sure how much time Hal Roth has spent on the Chesapeake but if he ever tried to get through places like Knapps or Kent Narrows he wouldn't feel that way.
Swap keels with me
I'm serious. I have a shoal draft 3'3" '77 h27. I would really like the improved pointing ability, and know that the 4' keel would do fine in the West end of Lake Erie. If the bolts are in the same pattern in our boats, this could actually work. Write jfoste7@columbus.rr.com if you want to pursue this. David Lady Lillie
I'm serious. I have a shoal draft 3'3" '77 h27. I would really like the improved pointing ability, and know that the 4' keel would do fine in the West end of Lake Erie. If the bolts are in the same pattern in our boats, this could actually work. Write jfoste7@columbus.rr.com if you want to pursue this. David Lady Lillie
Lucky Hal
Ross good for Hal, St. Michaels is one of our favorite ports. I wonder what his boat draws? No matter, it's still a true statement. Mike
Ross good for Hal, St. Michaels is one of our favorite ports. I wonder what his boat draws? No matter, it's still a true statement. Mike
It all what your used to
Ross, I'm sure he's used to it and navigates accordingly. We kept our first boat in a NJ back bay and had to be very careful where and when we went out. It certainly taught us all about tides and everything that can influence them. The 2nd boat we only sailed on the ocean and depth was never an issue. Our current boat draws 5' and while we can go most places there are a few anchorages and cuts that we avoid. I wouldn't want to deal with a 7' draft on the bay though. Not that it couldn't be done, it's just there have been too many times it would have proven to be a nuisance. It suppose it all boils down to personal choices, our boats, the type of cruising we do and the amount of time we have to allocate. Mike
Ross, I'm sure he's used to it and navigates accordingly. We kept our first boat in a NJ back bay and had to be very careful where and when we went out. It certainly taught us all about tides and everything that can influence them. The 2nd boat we only sailed on the ocean and depth was never an issue. Our current boat draws 5' and while we can go most places there are a few anchorages and cuts that we avoid. I wouldn't want to deal with a 7' draft on the bay though. Not that it couldn't be done, it's just there have been too many times it would have proven to be a nuisance. It suppose it all boils down to personal choices, our boats, the type of cruising we do and the amount of time we have to allocate. Mike
r.w.landau has given you a good site
to look at if you want to undertake this project. I have a 1967 27' Tartan with a 3'6" draft (6' with board down) that allows me to go aground very near shore. Consider changing boats before changing keel shapes to your existing boat for all the reasons everyone has posted unless you are a professional hull designer in real life or are related to Hereshoff or some other boat designer. There are lots of fish in the sea and more sailboats than people who want to own them.
to look at if you want to undertake this project. I have a 1967 27' Tartan with a 3'6" draft (6' with board down) that allows me to go aground very near shore. Consider changing boats before changing keel shapes to your existing boat for all the reasons everyone has posted unless you are a professional hull designer in real life or are related to Hereshoff or some other boat designer. There are lots of fish in the sea and more sailboats than people who want to own them.
Mike, Bietzpadlin draws 4 1/2 feet and we find the
bottom once in a while. Nancy gets nervous when the depth sounder shows less than 6 feet and the alarm is set for 5 1/2 that gives us time to get out of trouble. We always pay attention to the tides and avoid the shallows on an ebb tide.
bottom once in a while. Nancy gets nervous when the depth sounder shows less than 6 feet and the alarm is set for 5 1/2 that gives us time to get out of trouble. We always pay attention to the tides and avoid the shallows on an ebb tide.
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