safety zone

[JamesO256]

I have a 1983 22 foot swing keel. What would be a safety zone 4 open water.

 

[Roy10289]

Difficult question to answer as very small boats have crossed oceans. Definition of (safety zone) can also be open to interpretation. Guess it all comes down to skills,preparation,choosing a weather window wisely,one's ability to endure discomfort should thinks turn bad and of course LUCK....

 

[Ed Schenck]

Are you thinking of trailering off of Lake Norman? The H22 is a solid boat with a deep keel(when down). So Lake Norman should not present any problems. Given the relative narrowness of the lake you should never be far from safe harbor. But maybe you are thinking about bigger waters.

 

[inarathree]

I have taken my H22 out as far as the 7 mile line into the Gulf of Mexico. No problems. My slip neighbor has sailed his from Clearwater FL to the Keys and to Pensecola. I am waiting for a larger boat to take those trips.

 

[Benny17441]

Ballasted swing keel vessels do not fare well with the possibility of high seas in offshore weather. Strong lateral forces on the keel will cause it to perhaps slap from side to side causing wear and perhaps damage to the keel trunk and pivot attachments. There should be no noticeable problem in taking it out in fair weather but the thing is how quickly could you get back if the weather changes.