I have a '86 H31 on Lake St. Clair outside of Detroit. The lake levels have been dropping a lot over the past few years. My boat has the standard deep keel. I love the performance of this keel, but I am wondering if anyone has swapped a deep keel for a shoal draft keel. Can I find a shoal Keel? Will the keel bolts line up the same? Is this job so absurd that I should stop considering it? Any comments would be welcome. I like this boat and I would love it with a little less draft. Thanks. Pete H.
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steven f
cut it off
Though I've never done it, I've heard of one person who had a portion of his keel cut off (and of course faired to make all well). I don't know about actually replacing the keel but maybe explore this option. good luck, sounds like one serious job.
Though I've never done it, I've heard of one person who had a portion of his keel cut off (and of course faired to make all well). I don't know about actually replacing the keel but maybe explore this option. good luck, sounds like one serious job.
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Jim Oursler
Keel trimming is just the beginning..
My first thought was.. cut the keel... but then you have to cut the mast as well.... and then you have to shorten the forestay, trim the jib, trim the main. Before this deteriorates any further.. I recommend either.. fill the lake.. or swap the boat for one with a shoal draft keel. Else drop a few K dollars on a new winged keel.
My first thought was.. cut the keel... but then you have to cut the mast as well.... and then you have to shorten the forestay, trim the jib, trim the main. Before this deteriorates any further.. I recommend either.. fill the lake.. or swap the boat for one with a shoal draft keel. Else drop a few K dollars on a new winged keel.
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John
I know the feeling Pete
I know the feeling. I too sail Lake St. Clair, and have a deep keel (83) H31 named "Aurora". I have seen articles describing the cutting off of several inches of keel, and having 2 special pieces of lead casted to form opposing bolt-on keel wings. But clearly, given the shallowness of this year's Lake St. Clair, we'd end up knocking those "bolt-ons" off somewhere near the south channel light! I'd rather ride out the cyclical low water storm and save the expense. By the way, are you berthed near the Clinton River? We must race someime! If you shorten the keel, I'll bet I'd win!
I know the feeling. I too sail Lake St. Clair, and have a deep keel (83) H31 named "Aurora". I have seen articles describing the cutting off of several inches of keel, and having 2 special pieces of lead casted to form opposing bolt-on keel wings. But clearly, given the shallowness of this year's Lake St. Clair, we'd end up knocking those "bolt-ons" off somewhere near the south channel light! I'd rather ride out the cyclical low water storm and save the expense. By the way, are you berthed near the Clinton River? We must race someime! If you shorten the keel, I'll bet I'd win!
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Warren Feldstein
How shallow
I will be travelling through the river late may to take my hunter up to Georgian Bay. Ships travel the river, Right? Therefore how shallow can it be? Any good Marinas or anchoridges for an overnight stop in the area? Thank you in advance Warren
I will be travelling through the river late may to take my hunter up to Georgian Bay. Ships travel the river, Right? Therefore how shallow can it be? Any good Marinas or anchoridges for an overnight stop in the area? Thank you in advance Warren
Can be done but........
I don't know if you guys realize it but the keel on your Hunters are made of Cast Iron and not lead. I believe that they can be cut but I am sure that this is going to be a project and a half. I think that Mars can mfg and new lead keel for you but for what price?
I don't know if you guys realize it but the keel on your Hunters are made of Cast Iron and not lead. I believe that they can be cut but I am sure that this is going to be a project and a half. I think that Mars can mfg and new lead keel for you but for what price?
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Pete H.
To john, Warren, Steve
Thanks for all of the comments. Warren, the lake is very shallow this year. If you do not have local knowledge, stay near the shipping channel (29') and get on through. All of the marinas at the bottom of the lake are either private clubs or city owned and assigned for the season (Grosse Pointe area). There is a great marina on the Canadian side at Belle River. Their depth should be ok, but call ahead. It is a typical Canadian city marina (clean, great facilities, showers, restaurant, fuel, pumpout nice people etc.) John, I am moored in Grosse Pointe area. I would love to race at some point, I just bought new sails and am hoping that they give me a few more horsepower. Finally, I agree that the expense is probably not worth it on the keel. After all, the lake will return in a short 5 years. Thanks again.
Thanks for all of the comments. Warren, the lake is very shallow this year. If you do not have local knowledge, stay near the shipping channel (29') and get on through. All of the marinas at the bottom of the lake are either private clubs or city owned and assigned for the season (Grosse Pointe area). There is a great marina on the Canadian side at Belle River. Their depth should be ok, but call ahead. It is a typical Canadian city marina (clean, great facilities, showers, restaurant, fuel, pumpout nice people etc.) John, I am moored in Grosse Pointe area. I would love to race at some point, I just bought new sails and am hoping that they give me a few more horsepower. Finally, I agree that the expense is probably not worth it on the keel. After all, the lake will return in a short 5 years. Thanks again.
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John
Warren, good anchorages thru the river
The freighter channel is dredged thru Lake St Clair, ergo adequate depth for freighters. We are spoiled by high water levels for years, and are experiencing what is perceived to be low water in our favorite bays and anchorages lately. As for good anchorages, try Bois Blanc Island where the Detroit River meets Lake Erie. Then try the Metropolitan Beach Metropark bay in the Black River in Lake St Clair, western shore half way up. See you in Georgian Bay this summer. Look for H31 named "Aurora"
The freighter channel is dredged thru Lake St Clair, ergo adequate depth for freighters. We are spoiled by high water levels for years, and are experiencing what is perceived to be low water in our favorite bays and anchorages lately. As for good anchorages, try Bois Blanc Island where the Detroit River meets Lake Erie. Then try the Metropolitan Beach Metropark bay in the Black River in Lake St Clair, western shore half way up. See you in Georgian Bay this summer. Look for H31 named "Aurora"
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John
See you on a sand bar Pete
See you this summer, look for the H31 stuck on a sand bar, thats me! I am moored at Markleys on the Clinton. Stop by if in the area. There are four other H31's in the marina this year (one shallow draft), and many more in the area. Maybe we could establish a "stuck on the sand bar" support group?
See you this summer, look for the H31 stuck on a sand bar, thats me! I am moored at Markleys on the Clinton. Stop by if in the area. There are four other H31's in the marina this year (one shallow draft), and many more in the area. Maybe we could establish a "stuck on the sand bar" support group?
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Pete H.
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Michael O'Mara
July for North Channel
Because I've been cruising Georgian Bay and the North Channel for many years, I specifically chose a shoal draft H31 back in 1985. My deep draft brothers can outpoint me, but I want to kiss that rusty four foot draft keel every year when I'm sailing free and they worry about mud, rocks and worse. See you up north in July. Michael O'Mara "Irish Mist"
Because I've been cruising Georgian Bay and the North Channel for many years, I specifically chose a shoal draft H31 back in 1985. My deep draft brothers can outpoint me, but I want to kiss that rusty four foot draft keel every year when I'm sailing free and they worry about mud, rocks and worse. See you up north in July. Michael O'Mara "Irish Mist"
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