Swing Keel positions for sailing

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G

Gudenuph

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Aug 4, 2009
204
Oday 25 Olympia
I'm new to a swing keel on an O'Day 25. Also, I tend to adjust anything with a string on it or that has a movable part, hoping to find an optimum setting. Any words of wisdom out there on what keel positions work for you in various conditions and points of sail?
Thanks a bunch, Geohan
 
J

John Stevens

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Dec 11, 2009
165
Oday 26 Central FL
The O'day 25 has a centerboard, inside the shoal draft keel. It's used for up wind performance, it's to keep the boat from sliding. It's used unless going down wind. It is not for ballast just performance. A swing keel would be weighted and is used for stability.

Keep in mind that in heavy winds going up wind the centerboard can make the boat heel more so you may want to raise it a bit or all the way but keep in mind you won't be able to point as well but will sail flatter.

Hope this helps,

John
 
hman

hman

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Sep 13, 2006
93
Oday 23 Grass Valley, CA
My 23 has the same set up.....for upwind board down (and it does make a difference with heeling for us, less when down) I know I am supposed to pull it up when running but the only time I've noticed a difference is when I'm winging out the Jenny, it doesn't seem to change much when it's just the jib. Oh, be sure and pull it up when beaching! It will fold it's self, but I've found it picks up more sand if you don't pull it up before you hit the beach.....
 
G

Gudenuph

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Aug 4, 2009
204
Oday 25 Olympia
Thank you all for your replies. It appears that some boats react differently to the full board position. I'll do a bit of experimenting out on the water to find out in which category my boat falls. If I discover anything significant, I'll report back.
Thanks again, Geohan
 
D

djplatt@cogeco.ca

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Feb 23, 2010
67
Oday 240 Bronte, ON
When reaching, you can move the center of lateral resistance backwards to reduce weather helm by partially raising the centerboard.
 
billh

billh

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Jun 9, 2009
59
Hunter 28.5 Inland NY
Geohan,

Down on the O'Day 26 in order to point at all. Downwind up as I notice improvement in speed a bit. If it is up I can not hold a position very well upwind so there it makes a big difference. I tried various positions half up mostly up etc etc. So far no luck, either up or down seems to do the job. I race and sometiems I forget it is up and cant point at all, and realize the error and drop it and can point fine, well for an O'Day anyway :) Light air I do well against the other boats, Strong wind I hold but can not compete with the heavy boats good thing there for PHRF :)

Hope this helps somewhat.

Happy sailing.
 
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