I have been looking for used Catalina either 25 or 27 (no inboard) and trying to decide which model I should purchase Fixed, Winged, or Swing Keel. Have mixed emotions about the stability of both the wing and swing keels as well as the durablity of the pivot pin (especially in salt water). Basically I want a nice stable boat that can be easily single handed. Boat will be primarily used for weekend/overnite sails in shoal-ly Barnaget Bay. Any experience or advice would be greatly appreciated.
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Swing Keel/salt water
Craig. The swing keel IS NOT suitasble for use in salt water. I'm sure they are used, but in the original owner's manual from my C25 swing, it states that the swing keel boats are not intended for use in salt or brackish water. All of the things that corrode in salt water are the same things that hold the swing keel to the bottom of the boat. If you're looking shoal draft, wing is the answer, but be prepared to pay for it. The law of supply and demand.
Craig. The swing keel IS NOT suitasble for use in salt water. I'm sure they are used, but in the original owner's manual from my C25 swing, it states that the swing keel boats are not intended for use in salt or brackish water. All of the things that corrode in salt water are the same things that hold the swing keel to the bottom of the boat. If you're looking shoal draft, wing is the answer, but be prepared to pay for it. The law of supply and demand.
Well I have to tell you !
I think in all the years I have been around Catalina's that the very first time I have ever heard that the swing keel boats are not made for sailing salt or brackish water. I guess somebody better tell all of those boat owners out of Everywhere from Cresent City California Down to San Diego because Pal they are docked moored and beached all up and down the California coast. I can't speak for all of the past swing keel Catalina's but everyone that I have ever seen that has a swing keel, has the Best hardware on the market when it comes to the mounting of the keel in the hull and the pivot and hanger bracket. Everything from Bronze to Brass and Stainless steel. It doesn't get much better. Now then when you pull it out to give it a fresh water bath and maybe some good lubrication probably wouldn't hurt, but I have to tell you unless it's one of the very first Cat's that I have not yet had the pleasure of looking at not a one to the best of my knowledge has ever been regulated to fresh water alone.
Dave
I think in all the years I have been around Catalina's that the very first time I have ever heard that the swing keel boats are not made for sailing salt or brackish water. I guess somebody better tell all of those boat owners out of Everywhere from Cresent City California Down to San Diego because Pal they are docked moored and beached all up and down the California coast. I can't speak for all of the past swing keel Catalina's but everyone that I have ever seen that has a swing keel, has the Best hardware on the market when it comes to the mounting of the keel in the hull and the pivot and hanger bracket. Everything from Bronze to Brass and Stainless steel. It doesn't get much better. Now then when you pull it out to give it a fresh water bath and maybe some good lubrication probably wouldn't hurt, but I have to tell you unless it's one of the very first Cat's that I have not yet had the pleasure of looking at not a one to the best of my knowledge has ever been regulated to fresh water alone.
Dave- Status