Reduce the keel

[newyorker]

Can I cut the keel of my 1979 Hunter Cherubini fin keel? I want to go from 5'3" to 3'6". Does anyone know?
New thought: As part of that question, lost my mast and want to use the boat (Yanmar diesel motor) as is.
Thank you.

 

[Jackdaw]

If you're never going to use it as a sailboat again, cut away. The majority of the mass of that boat's sharkfin keel is in the root anyway.

 

[markwbird]

Have you ever seen the Red and Green show?

 

[newyorker]

Can I cut the keel of my 1979 Hunter Cherubini fin keel? I want to go from 5'3" to 3'6". Does anyone know?
New thought: As part of that question, lost my mast and want to use the boat (Yanmar diesel motor) as is.
Thank you.[/QUOT

 

[newyorker]

Thank you. Appreciate the input. I am thinking that's what I'll do.

 

[Justin_NSA]

That must be one heck of a hacksaw you have!

 

[ggrizzard]

How'd you lose your mast?

 

[Crazy Dave Condon]

If you do cut the keel, it is cast iron so please wear protection to include eye protection. If you must, then the boat should be on stands and for safety with slings like in a travel lift for support when you do cut the lower portion away as the boat will no longer be supported once that keel is cut. You have to remember you will also need a jig that is supported so it will catch the lower portion of the keel from falling over you and your life is more valuable than that boat. I would suggest letting others like a yard do that. Easy to say but I know from a safety stand point what can occur and that is loss of your life if you do not know what you are doing.