fixed keel on v21???

[stone_love]

Ok...I have my boat on the water...ready to go but winter is almost here and I have scrap steel and spare time.

Im thinking of making a short 400 lbs fixed fin keel out of 3/4 and 1/2 steel plate based off of my dads fixed keel Catalina 22.

At only 3 ft long it would still fit on my trailer and I wouldn't lose much draft.

Has anyone tried this before? Im thinking less hassle with coastal hops...possible better pointing ability ..less maintenance and I can swap between keels in less than 30 min at the ramp.

Think it would throw off the balance of the boat or self righting ability?

[Bob McLellan]

First, I would think a "dagger" configured keel would point better. That is basically what you have when the stock keel is fully down. I also think your change would reduce the self righting ability. The leverage provided by the longer arm of the keel in a down position is better for self righting than more weight up higher in the hull. The major reason I see for the fixed keel would be a flat sole in the cabin, and that will be as it was originally. I would take the metal and make a heavier swing keel and see if you can get a larger "bulb" on the bottom to improve self righting and stability. Just don't forget to beef up the trunk to hold added weight (IMHO).

[stone_love]

I would leave the fixed keel the same weight as the swing so adding to the trunk shouldn't be needed. I was thinking along the same lines with self righting.


A steel bulbb is a great idea. I just wish I had the ability to melt enough lead to make it weigh more. Shaping steel rod will be difficult to get pergfect

[bmxer]

Steel bulb? What about a small welding bottle? They're steel and fairly small ... just throw some steel shot into it and add a bunch of resin and your good to go.

[stone_love]

Dude an oxygen bottle filled with lead bead and epoxy would be ideal....would look gheto but this. Is a Mac not a yacht.

Hmmm......this idea is sounding pretty good.


I think ill start cutting out steel next week.


No fiberglass needed only epoxy and bottom coated steel!

[bmxer]

You could probably pick one up that failed inspection for scrap price. Picture are a must if you do this.

[stone_love]

Ill have to get to Ms paint on a computer but the current plan.

Fixed stub keel will hang from same position as swing keel and weigh the same.

Will be removable for easy reinstatement of swing keel but if it works well enough could be fiberglassed to hull. With steel I prefer easy removal for service.


Will be using plates 3/8-3/4 thick welded together and placed giving slight foil at front and rear. Foil will be touched up and given final shape and seal in steel. Thickened epoxy should do both very well. Por 15 could also work if laid down before epoxy but I think epoxy will be enough.

Plates will form together to be 4 inches wide 12 inches top to bottom minus the steel that goes up into the trunk. The body of the keel will be 24 inches front to back.

The suggestion of an air tank will be slotted and welded to foot of keel. Recovered lead shot will be added/epoxied in place to add an additional 25-50lbs.

The unfinished plate will weight about 325. This is only the weight of main body.

Keel swing and pivot bolt will be upgraded to 1/2 stainless rather than 3/8

Will be calling the local scuba and welding supply shop Monday