Removing a keel

[rsfinley]

We mostly use our boat to motor with small outboard around rivers and lakes and for sleeping quarters, will not be sailing it. Want to haul it to FLA and possibly remove the permanent 800#wing keel. Has anyone ever removed one and does it interfere with operation and handling it?

 

[boblufkin]

You would have to also remove the mast and it still might be pretty tippy. You may have to add some ballast under the floor boards to provide stability.

 

[Kermit]

I had an H23 for 4 years. I wouldn't do that if I were you. If you do, I would suggest adding ballast in the bilge. Better yet, keep it as a sailboat and sail it from time-to-time. It's a great sailboat!

 

[Crazy Dave Condon]

Removing the keel would and will be disastours because the keel is ballast which also helps or should I say keep the boat upright. Without it sir, you will roll over and someone will be hurt if not drowned. If you want a small boat for cruising only, sell your Hunter 23 and use that money for a good used power boat for example a 18-19 center console. The hull is designed differently for the use you want to do, simply motoring. The hull designs of sailboats are much different than power boats.

 

[carboman]

Is it a wing keel? I'll buy it from you.