Want to Trade 5'6" Keel for 4'3"...anyone?

[Ed Barnthouse]

Hello All.... I'm looking for help, suggestions and/or interest in my possible quest to find a 4'3" keel for my (recently aquired) '83 "Hunter 34". The boat currently has a 5'6" draft keel that is great for deeper water sailing but I would like to take it to the Bay side of the Keys and would like to have a shallower draft..........(I've been told they can be switched to a like boat).
Anyone?

Thanks!

 

[mark_swart]

I believe there is a place in Florida that also offers a service where they can cut it down and add a bulb. I have the deep draft also and I think it would be a great option. Plus it might actually be easier than trying to get that thing off. I don't have the website but you should be able to google and find it.

 

[spinwing]

If you can not find someone in FL give these folks a look. They can certainly do the job.

http://www.marskeel.com/

The whole keel will be more expensive than chopping and adding the bulb but you may be able to scrap the old keel for $$ at today's metal prices.

 

[Alan]

I went the other direction. Replaced my 4.5' wing with a 6' deep draft. No skinny water issues here!

But the suggestions are right. Cutting the keel (iron in the case of the 34) and adding a bulb is a great alternative to replacement. Mars Metal does it all the time and they are great to do business with.