Keel , Shoal or deep

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Bob Britton

What are the disadvatages of the shoal keel on a tall rig. I have read that a tall rig should have deep keel (5'3")
 
Feb 26, 2004
23,078
Catalina 34 224 Maple Bay, BC, Canada
Not necessarily

Bob If you live in a place that has thin water and light winds, the shoal draft and a tall rig are just what the doctor ordered.
 
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Dick McKee

Bob...a deep keel will allow you to point several

degrees higher. But, like Stu says it depends on where you sail. I'm a west coaster not too much shallow water out here, so wouldn't have any thing but a deep keel.
 

Jim C

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Jun 18, 2004
63
Catalina 30 Tulsa, OK
Wing

Bob, I have a TRBS with the wing keel and don't really see much difference in pointing vs a fin keel in the club. The boat is still extremely stable in the same wind range. However, it's been pointed out before that a wing keel would be harder to release if it gets stuck in the mud. But, the wing draws 3'10" vs the fin 5'3". Good luck and happy hunting, Jim
 
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Brian

Mine is fine!

I've had a TRBS with Shoal (not wing) keel for three seasons now, and it's great for the Chesapeake Bay, where winds are light in summer, and the bottom jumps up to kiss the keel at random intervals.
 
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Bob Britton

Keel, Shoal or deep

Thanks for the input. I realized that moorings for 5'3'' are limited in my area (Mystic, LIS) Bob
 
Jun 6, 2004
5
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False sense of security?

I'm going through this thought process myself. Sure, the wing adds 15" of clearance (the shoal considerably less) but in the unpredictable world of shifting sands and moving shoals do I want roll the dice into a working margin of just over a foot of "maybe there's enough water" and potentially end up stuck for the night waiting for a tow out? I don't. In my opinion, it seems the shallower draft creates a false sense of security to say, "oh, I have another foot of water to play with". So I have backed off my concerns regarding draft differential cos I ain't gonna cut it that close anyway. I'm trying to think "the best boat for the money".
 
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Bob

I Have a Winged Keel

When we set out to purchase a Cat. 30 we were intent on getting a wing keel model. We now own a 1988, with tall rig and the winged keel. Our rationale was simple. We plan on cruising the ICW in a year or so and want to increase the number of places to anchor! Its not an issue of performance at all, but the advantage of wing versus fin. I think the wing does just fine for us in a wide range of wind speeds and sail configuarations here in inland Georiga. The draft of the Catalina was critical and I speak from experience. Back in the mid-80's we cruised and lived aboard a Coronado 35 sloop with a 5'6" draft. We ran aground all the time trying to get in close to great anchorages, but wound up hanging farther out unprotected in the weather. I was convinced that we were just to deep and I vowed that if I did the ICW again, it would be with a shoal draft boat. Even more so now that the Army Corps is slow on dredging inlets and some areas are well documented as simply, "shallow". I learned kedging was the best way to get off a grounding with a fin keel, but I also feel confident that running aground with a wing is not as serious as some would believe. Kedging to beam....certainly, but the vessel should pivot well on the wing and come off easier at the bow. When weighing the risks, I feel the wing would give you greater peace of mind when cruising shallower water then the fin. At 3'10" with added weight built in to compensate for the draft, if your not planning on extended open water passages, the wing is an excellent vessel for coastal sailing. Good Luck Bob "Breezin II"
 
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Mike

No Problem in Mystic River

Hi Bob, I have a mooring @ NYS in Noank with the standard fin keel on my 1986 C-30. We have had no problems in the mooring field or the river channel. However, NYS is careful where to put you if you have any deeper draft. Sidenote: I think that the moorings over at the mouth of the river have to be one of the most beautiful places around. I could sit all day and just stare at the scenery.
 
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Bob

Noank

Thanks for your reply . It is a beautiful area. I will likely keep my boat( when I find it) at Noank Shipyard or Noank Village Boatyard. I started to look at Catalina 320 's but now I am back to searching for the right C 30 TR. Bob
 
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Mike

Make sure you have a spot before you buy

You don't want to end up buying a boat without any place to put it. A few years ago, I booked and paid for a mooring without having a boat. Good thing that I did. They had a waiting list at NYS begging for the mooring. Let me know how you make out @ mdgolds@cox.net
 
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