Should it be Swing or Wing Keel?

[Bob W.]

I'm looking at used 1987 to 1992 Catalina 22 Swing and Wing keels boats. I want to dry sail the boat off the trailer at a marina here in Florida. What are the general opinions out there versus the two keel types ie: speed in water, safety, grounding, launching and maintenance. Thanks..

 

[David Williams]

Swing VS Wing

Swing Keels give better up-wind performance. Wing Keels give better off-wind performance.Swing Keels require more maintenanceDraft is not an issue on either model. Be sure to get a kick-up rudder.I have never launched a Wing Keel, but the C-22 is fairly easy to trailer. C-22s are very durable boats. They do not have the stability of a full keeled boat, but do handle well in rough conditions with an experienced crew. In my opinion the C-22 is the perfect size for trailer-sailing/micro-cruising. David

 

[Bob W.]

"Thanks Dave"

I've never been on a wing keel but have owned a swing keel in the 70's and used it on mid-western lakes where we could pull up to a shore line, get off and only get wet up to your knees going ashore. Brought the boat to Florida and ran aground in Pensacola Bay but it was a easy off situation. In contemplating the wing keel the last thing I want to do is go through the Florida Keys bumping my way over coral fields. Guess that everyone now has to get wet up to the waist..

 

[greg]

I'm a swinger

I am partial to the swing keel. Yes there is maintenance but in the 5 years I have owned my 1979 Catalina 22, I have only done maintenance on it once. It is kept on a trailer and I rinseit after every sail. I dropped the front of the keel last year for inspection and all parts looked very good. For safety, I replaced the SS keel cable after the first year of ownership. The swing keel offers the advantage as a back up depth sounder. When it is down and you run aground (not if; when!)it is an easy matter to retract the keel and move off the obstruction. I have used this feature many times and it works well. (I don't need no stink'in charts!) Dropping the front of the keel for inspection was not that hard to do and it was done while on the trailer. Since I do not race (too lazy) I have left the keel its natural rusty brown color. I am testing a theory that a 550 pound piece of iron, rinsed with fresh water, will not rust away significantly in my lifetime. The next owner may have some issues with that theory though. Happy sailing.