302 Owner
Hello, I have a 302 - 1988. The first time I sailed her was a 194 mile trip to my home marina. As a coastal cruiser she's roomy and a fun boat to sail. I would not worry about the keel. Have the bolts checked out and you should be fine. I purchased my boat used with a full systems warranty and never needed to use it. My first boat was an O'Day 22 - 1976. I have zero experience with ocean sailing. Many people have sailed the oceans in smaller boats. The 302 is pretty light at 7,200 lbs - I believe. Oh, the keel is a wing style not fin/bulb. Draft is 3'11". Lake Michigan, where I sail, can get nasty at times but is fairly tame most of the summer months. I have taken the boat out in some rough weather and she seems solid. I've had full sails up in 20k winds. I don't think it's comfortable heeling way over for too long so we left the genny full and put a reef in the main. I've never had the second reef in. Even though I dearly love this boat, I'm not sure it's the boat you should choose for your trip. I would opt for a heavier boat perhaps 35 feet with a full keel. Feel free to drop me a line if you have questions. express898@hotmail.com Joe
