Replacing the Keel on a 260

[Brad]

I was just wondering if there are companies that make aftermarket keels for a 260. If so ae they better than the stock keels or any other benifits or drawbacks. What are the names of the companies. Just Curious. Thanks in advance.BradSV Kivalo

 

[Steve O.]

Mars Metals

Mars Metals in Canada makes and modifies keels. I think you will find it prohibitively expensive and more cost efficient to just buy a new boat with the type of keel that you want.

 

[Bly Berken, SailboatOwners.com]

Might have a source

Hi Brad -I might have a source for you. I'm checking right now. Send me your email address and I'll let you know what I find out. You can reach me at bly@sailboatowners.com.

 

[crazy dave]

swing center board

Basically, a keel is for ballast. The swing centerboard keeps a boat from drifting sideways when sailing. The centerboards are built with fiberglass with foam coring to keep the weight low. The ballast is in the water. The other fellow is correct about the cost which would be prohibitive plus more wieght to tow. Then on top of that, you would not be able to lift a metal keel in place of the centerboard. Another item to think about is you would have to beef up the centerboard tray on the trailer.Stay with what you got.

 

[Brad]

weight on board

what I had in mind was an amount of weight on the board at the bottom front to help lower the CofG and stabilise the boat. it was for this reason that I alomost went the 270 but my dock is too shallow to use with the shoal draft keel. Dont know how much would need to be used and doubt seriously if the stock board would hold it. as far as pulling it up Im not concerned except for the durability of the boat long term. Anyway just a thoughtBrads/v Kivalo