Hi, I am a new sailboat owner. My neighbor gave me his sailboat. It needs an new engine but it comes with everything else. I was wondering if anyone could help me to find out what brand it is. I got the Hull # off of it and from my research it is a 1973 AC Marine. I am not familiar with AC marine so I was hoping someone could confirm the make and model of this boat. The # is KEL001971273. Any info would be appreciated.
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Can't find an AC Marine, but....
I can only find an AC Manufacturing and they built powerboats, not sailboats. The serial number has KEL at the beginning. Is it a Kells 23? The Kells 23 was an overly priced 23-footer that was introduced in the 1070's, I remember. Try that. Got a picture?
I can only find an AC Manufacturing and they built powerboats, not sailboats. The serial number has KEL at the beginning. Is it a Kells 23? The Kells 23 was an overly priced 23-footer that was introduced in the 1070's, I remember. Try that. Got a picture?
Thanks.
Thanks for the fast response. I will get some pics for you. I am not that familiar with sailboats. This is my first one. Yes, the hull # says KEL for the first 3 letters. It could be a Kell. I went to a site and typed in the hull and it said AC marine but maybe Kell and AC were the same company. I think it is 23 feet. I can't tell by looking. Was Kell a good brand? Do you think it will be a good starter boat? Thanks Again and please let me know if you need anymore info.
Thanks for the fast response. I will get some pics for you. I am not that familiar with sailboats. This is my first one. Yes, the hull # says KEL for the first 3 letters. It could be a Kell. I went to a site and typed in the hull and it said AC marine but maybe Kell and AC were the same company. I think it is 23 feet. I can't tell by looking. Was Kell a good brand? Do you think it will be a good starter boat? Thanks Again and please let me know if you need anymore info.
My first Sailboat
My first was a Kells 23. Good boat to learn on, handled pretty good and was responsive for a heavy boat of it"s size. I looked up the registration and the serial # did begin with KEL so I think you have it solved. Had a swing keel, main sheet attached to a cleat that was rigged in a v configuration at the transon and the main sail reefing system worked by pulling the boom out to the stern and rotating the boom thus winding up the sail onto the boom. As I remember had a heavy weather helm in a good blow. Good luck in your sailing ventures.
My first was a Kells 23. Good boat to learn on, handled pretty good and was responsive for a heavy boat of it"s size. I looked up the registration and the serial # did begin with KEL so I think you have it solved. Had a swing keel, main sheet attached to a cleat that was rigged in a v configuration at the transon and the main sail reefing system worked by pulling the boom out to the stern and rotating the boom thus winding up the sail onto the boom. As I remember had a heavy weather helm in a good blow. Good luck in your sailing ventures.
I have to laugh...
The original poster says this is his first sailboat.. The response he gets is "Had a swing keel, main sheet attached to a cleat that was rigged in a v configuration at the transon and the main sail reefing system worked by pulling the boom out to the stern and rotating the boom thus winding up the sail onto the boom. As I remember had a heavy weather helm in a good blow. Good luck in your sailing ventures." Hopefully this is just his first boat and not his first introduction to sailing terminology or he will be totally lost. Hopefully, you'l take this as intended.
I'm KIDDING with you! I just always get a kick out of the foreign language we speak, particularly when it's in writing.
The original poster says this is his first sailboat.. The response he gets is "Had a swing keel, main sheet attached to a cleat that was rigged in a v configuration at the transon and the main sail reefing system worked by pulling the boom out to the stern and rotating the boom thus winding up the sail onto the boom. As I remember had a heavy weather helm in a good blow. Good luck in your sailing ventures." Hopefully this is just his first boat and not his first introduction to sailing terminology or he will be totally lost. Hopefully, you'l take this as intended.
I'm KIDDING with you! I just always get a kick out of the foreign language we speak, particularly when it's in writing. Kells 23
My second boat was a Kells 23 (the first being a Sunfish). I equated it to being a "bath tub with sails." The best part about it was that it only drew 11 inches with the center board raised. I once sailed to Napatree in Watch Hill Rhode Island. The going was slow through the channel against the current. Finally, I just said "screw it," checked the charts, figured that I only needed about 16 inches and made a straight line for Napatree. You should have heard all of the boats honking at me to warn me of the shallow water!!!!! Greg, word of caution: Make sure the clutch brake on the center board winch is in working order. It will take your arm off if it let's go. Don't ask me how I know that!!!
My second boat was a Kells 23 (the first being a Sunfish). I equated it to being a "bath tub with sails." The best part about it was that it only drew 11 inches with the center board raised. I once sailed to Napatree in Watch Hill Rhode Island. The going was slow through the channel against the current. Finally, I just said "screw it," checked the charts, figured that I only needed about 16 inches and made a straight line for Napatree. You should have heard all of the boats honking at me to warn me of the shallow water!!!!! Greg, word of caution: Make sure the clutch brake on the center board winch is in working order. It will take your arm off if it let's go. Don't ask me how I know that!!!
Thanks.
Thanks guys for the info. I really appreciate it. Your right I am not familiar with most of the terms. My sailing background is limited. My father has sailboats (Odays) when I was young and I have been around them but most of my experience is in repairing them (engine repair mainly). I will look for some good books that explain the terms. I am looking forward to it though. I have a lot of cleaning up to do and getting it ready but I will take my time and do my best to make sure it is solid. I am glad to hear that it is a good boat to learn on. Thanks guys and let me know what you think.
Thanks guys for the info. I really appreciate it. Your right I am not familiar with most of the terms. My sailing background is limited. My father has sailboats (Odays) when I was young and I have been around them but most of my experience is in repairing them (engine repair mainly). I will look for some good books that explain the terms. I am looking forward to it though. I have a lot of cleaning up to do and getting it ready but I will take my time and do my best to make sure it is solid. I am glad to hear that it is a good boat to learn on. Thanks guys and let me know what you think.
Greg...
Look on the transom for the Hull Identification Number (HIN). This info will tell the manufacture, hull build number and year/month built. That is if the boat has a HIN. This link will give you more information about HINs.
Look on the transom for the Hull Identification Number (HIN). This info will tell the manufacture, hull build number and year/month built. That is if the boat has a HIN. This link will give you more information about HINs.
Your question
Is it a good boat for a beginner? Absolutly! It was free! That is the best 1st boat you will ever have. Make sure there is nothing going to break off and flood it, the rigging doesn't have fraying stays, get a beginner book on rules of the road and basic safety, GO ENJOY. A basic 101 class won't hurt either and will probably make it even more enjoyable. Welcome.
Is it a good boat for a beginner? Absolutly! It was free! That is the best 1st boat you will ever have. Make sure there is nothing going to break off and flood it, the rigging doesn't have fraying stays, get a beginner book on rules of the road and basic safety, GO ENJOY. A basic 101 class won't hurt either and will probably make it even more enjoyable. Welcome.
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