Swing keel/fin for at dock.

[DougH]

Is it ok to have the swing keel up at the dock?

Hello all,

I have had a 1993 Hunter 23.5 for two seasons now and have been keeping it on a trailer. We love the trailer because its in the back yard and of course saves $$. The problem is we are about 1.5 hours drive from the Bay and of course its hard work dealing with rigging both ways. I was thinking about keeping her in the water next year and would like to look for a shallow water slip is hope of saving $$. At home on the trailer the keel rests in a nice bed/bunk with no stress on anything. The question is this; is it bad to keep the keel retracted in a shallow slip?

Thanks for any input,

Doug Harnish

 

[owner23.5]

wont hurt it at all, mines in a slip all summer and never had an issue with the keel left up

 

[DougH]

How long have you had your 23.5 and have you ever had problems with the swing keel? I got mine two years ago and have enjoyed it very much. The previous owner said he had it "redone". I should have asked more questions at the time but I still have no idea what "redone" means.
I just have no good way of inspecting the keel and/or whatever bolt or pivot is down there. Its the only part of the boat that worries me.Any advise or insite would be great.

Thanks,

Doug Harnish

 

[cephius (Dave)]

I've had my H260 since 2002. We loose about 2 feet of water most summers, so I end up with my board up in the slip for about 3 months each season. I also have never had a problem.

 

[owner23.5]

mine is going on the dling this spring for the "redone" basically what my intentions are is to lower and remove the centerboard as the previous owner dinged up the tip and I want the glass repaired as well as check the bolt and the pocket it sits up in for any signs of wear.

 

[DougH]

Looking from inside.

I'm at work and the boat is at home but don't I recall seeing some kind of an access plate at the compression post? I guess that may show part of the fin or bolt.
I guess we're in the same boat (that's a great pun) My fin looks fine, but sure does need bottom paint before I keep the boat in the water. We sail in the Chesapeake Bay and have great fun going were most sailboats can't. The only down side is, we drag through the mud a good bit. Basically there is no bottom paint on the forward part of the fin, its been nicely wet sanded and polished.

I'm glad to be able to talk with someone with our same make and model. How long have you had yours? How do you find sailing single handed? I just picked up a Davis Tiller Tamer because its a pain to run the jib lines and still stay in control of the boat. Have you ever considered installing a second set of winches back closer to the helm? I have been thinking about it but have no idea if its doable.

Doug Harnish,

 

[owner23.5]

I sail mine alone most times as wife isnt as willing with whitecaps. I too have the tiller tamer works great and as for solo missions , I dont wear shoes or socks , you'd be amazed how easy it is to get a " foot toe hold" on the tiller when changing sheet sides, or tuning , only time I bring the jib line back is downwind and secure on back cleat lets my sheet catch more air , as well Ive added 2ft of line where the jib hooks to the boat to allow the sheet to stay above the lifelines. worked so far

 

[DougH]

I dont wear shoes or socks , you'd be amazed how easy it is to get a " foot toe hold" on the tiller when changing sheet sides, or tuning

Ha, I'm an old fart and also the best sailing around here is in the spring and fall when the temps are to low enough to require wool socks

Doug Harnish

 

[BrianW]

Doug, another option to consider is to get a "mast up" dry slip where you sail. Living 1.5 hours away, you wouldn't have to worry as much about checking on your dock lines when a storm is moving in. Dry slips are usually less expensive than even shallow wet slips. Launching and retrieval time leaving the mast up is not much different than docking and securing. Also, you also wouldn't have to worry about bottom paint. It's always good to have options. BrianW

 

[DougH]

Doug, another option to consider is to get a "mast up" dry slip where you sail.

It's always good to have options. BrianW

Fantastic idea Brian,

Much thanks,

Doug H.

 

[inarathree]

I have an H22 with a swing keel. She is kept in a slip year round. I dont have a trailer for her, but I would probably keep her in the water anyway, as I only live 5 minutes from the water, and would take longer to get her in the water than to drive there.

Around here I only know of a couple yards that have sailboats "mast up" on trailers, but I think its a good idea. Its just around here it costs almost as much as a slip.