Keel Weight

[Randy]

I have a 1978 O'Day 22 in looking at the specs. I have noticed that for a number of years the 22 was built with a 600 lb keel. Then in 1979 they went to an 800 lb keel. I would like to know if the additional 200lb gave any advantage and if so, is there any way to add the extra weight to an older 22? Please e-mail me with your input to snaab200@earthlink.com. Thanks and happy sailing

 

[Rich (proto57)]

What O'Day recommended:

I got a copy of an original '22 manual, and this is what O'Day said. I have not done this myself: "The O'Day 22 has 600 lbs. of lead ballast [more on later boats, as you point out-Rich] glassed into the keel, which is more than adequate; however, you can add more, if you prefer more stability. The easiest way to add is to pour lead shot (available at any good sporting goods store into the keel area through the bilge drain plug. You may even mix with catalyzed resin for a more permanent job, but be sure area is dry. We have customers who have added 200 lbs in this manner, but be sure to increase positive flotation at the same time in order tosupport extra weight, should the hull take on water through a leak or hull puncture."

 

[Jim]

Rich

Rich, I have a 78 22' and would love to get a copy of the origional manual. I would gladly pay for you to copy and send it to me. please email me at jimhand@home.com thanks

 

[Robin]

Rich, I own a '75 O'Day 22, and I had the very same question you did. I have the section of the manual that suggests pouring lead shot into the bilge, but it seems to me that for serious added stability it might be better to add weight along the bottom of the keel. I've been asking questions about the advisability of trying to bolt some lead strips on near the bottom, then glassing everything over with fiberglass/epoxy. No answers yet; apparently the idea of modifying the keel of an old fiberglass sailboat is one that hasn'toccurred to a lot of people. If you have any reactions to this idea, or if you hear anything more about ways to increase ballast, please do contact me. Thanks.Robin in NCrobarnes@davidson.edu