keel strength

[Donna]

We have a 1979 C27 with fixed keel. We have been told this model has a "soft Belly" and cannot take any weight on the keel. We are wondering if this is true, as we plan on taking the boat out of the water this fall to redo the bottom etc. We will be putting it on a cradle (built to Catalina specs) on a trailer. As the design calls for a keel support we had presumed the keel could take some of the weight of the boat but have no idea how much support is safe. Any thoughts would be appreciated. Thank you

 

[Roger]

Nonsense

Many of us with C-27 stand'em on their keel (on blocks) using stands either side bearing little weight- just keeping her from tipping. One under the bow, also to keep from tipping, this time forward. Mine stood happily all thru the nasty winter right near my house. You do have to arraqnge the blocks awith a slight angle so as not to encourage the "Catalina Smile" (check archives).But my 1982 C27 stands proud on her keel, no problems.Now I have soft belly, but not my boat.Roger& Mabel C27 #5012Cape Cod

 

[Peter]

nonesense is right

The boat SHOULD rest most of the weight on the keel when it's out of the water. Period! My 1975 catalina always rests most of it's weight on the keel when it's out of the water. If you don't believe me, call Catalina they'll be more than happy to answer your question.