please respond

[paul]

I have a late 70's 22 that is missing it's swing keel. I will be sailing in very shallow water and am wondering if i can replace the original keel with something shorter without it dramatically affecting the way the boat sails. I'm not planning on going on any extended trips(weekenders at most) or to any rough water. Most of the area I wish to sail is 4-8 ft. deep. However there are many places that it could get to 3-31/2 ft. I got the boat for nothing and am willing to put a few (500-1000) bucks into it. If anyone can give me their opinions on maybe cutting a replacement keel down by 12-24 inches or using a different type of keel i'd appreciate the input. Nobody locally can help. thanks

 

[john renfro]

keel

hello paul, a new keel will cost about $900.00. just don't lower it all the way.john

 

[shallowsailor]

ken's wrong

Have to disagree with Ken. You can't let the new keel only partially out. If you do and the boat should broach the keel could swing back up and do lots of damage to fiberglass (if not locked down).

 

[Michael McCann]

Keel

Paul;A friend retofitted a C25 swing to a wing keel. Catalina made the keel. I don't know if they make (or made) one for the 22. A wing for the 22 would make it about the right draft for where you want to sail. Shallowsailor is correct, never sail with the swing (cast iron) keel cranked up! You lose the ballast, and besides the damage to the keel trunk, you could turtle the boat. I've never seen this happen, because I have never known anyone that stupid!Michael

 

[Tony]

I have to agree with john

Hey We sail In shallow water too and we just don't lower keel all the way . May not be proper way to do it , but it works great for me and has for sometime now ... swing keel is made for up and down and getting in shallow water and if your not going into ruff stuff I see no problem ..

 

[JIm Hanebury]

I also agree

I sail Barnegat Bay which in most places is in the same range as your area. I sail with the swing keel partway down most of the time with no problem. I would recommend getting the replacement keel and sailing away with it up or down as the need is.

 

[Jackson]

sail with it down until you run aground

then pull it up and off you go! Its good seamanship practice to avoid shoals. Get a depthsounder and go! Thats the beauty of a swing keel!