Notice:
The advice given on this site is based upon individual or quoted experience, yours may differ.
The Officers, Staff and members of this site only provide information based upon the concept that anyone utilizing this information does so at their own risk and holds harmless all contributors to this site.
Everyone on here knows that I am a strong supporter of swing keels, but I would very cautious about recommending one for permanent saltwater mooring. The wing is probably a better match for the majority of people in saltwater. Maintenance would be a religious annual affair - the iron keel would need to have good barrier coat with annual touchups, and the keel cable, attachment, and pivot assembly would need a <u>thorough, annual</u> inspection. Even if the cable passed inspection, I would probably replace it every 2 years. The maintenance is not expensive (cable about $50 from CD or $30 for a rigger to make one), but it takes time and is mandatory. With all my cautions, Pearl spends her winters in saltwater with no ill effects.
There you go--the [url="http://www.sailingtexas.com/scatalina25217.html"]New York boat[/url] (apparently near Rochester) is a swing-to-wing conversion, and could be a good one! It's nicely upgraded--dual batteries, halyards led aft, portlight in the quarterberth... All it needs from my perspective is a roller furler--but that's my taste.
I will second the need for annual maintenance on a swing keel moored in salt water and add that another point of failure that needs to be addressed on an annual basis is the turning ball that the cable rides on as it exits the hull. PO of my boat inspected the cable but not the turning ball and after about 20 years, the stress from the cable pulling against a flat spot on the turning ball caused who whole volcano assemble break (3" hole in the bottom of the boat.) Fortunately, he was able to get the boat back to the marina and into the hoist before it sunk.
I own a 1987 tall rig wing keel and believe me, it's a sweet sailing boat. You'll motor people in light air. She draws about 30" (loaded light)... really hardly any difference than the swing keel with no worries about snapping the keel cable. From the pictures, the wing keel Dave found in St. Pete, Fla for $7500 (if it has a good trailer) looks like a winner. Without a trailer the price is too high. A decent trailer will set you back a couple a thou'. Sail condition is another factor. Everybody says their sails are "good"...I've got a bunch of "good" sails in my garage...but I don't use 'em.
Thanks to all for their help and great information.
I looked at a lot of boats (most recommended by people here) and would consider a better boat especially a newer wing keel but I do not have a trailer and have not had any lock finding one. So if anyone know where I can rent a trailer anywhere near NC please let me know.
I am <u>almost</u> sure to buy the first one I looked at. !977 Cataline 25 swing keel.
We have tentatively agree on a price of $2000. It has a 2009 9.8 Nisan 4 stroke. Estimated retail of $1800. A stainless binini and a $250 new Sony stereo. We will have the boat hauled and the final decision on go/nogo will be the condition of the swing keel and surrounding hull. If it is OK I will replace the cable at that time and apply whatever paint of compound is required (open to suggestions).
The port holes leak and there is a leak around a wire in the mast area and the bow pulpit is loose in the deck but all of these things I can fix. Getting it dry and mildew odor free will be my biggist challenge.
Thanks again for all and any more help. I will let you know about my Dec trip from Hampton, VA to Holiday Island, NC. via ICW.
1. Are you interested in doing some major work on this boat? The loose pulpit and leaky windows (and probably some stanchions) could mean wet plywood core under the deck... Some people love these challenges--others just want to go sailing.
2. Do you really need a trailer? You're keeping the boat in the water--are you planning on storing her at home or towing it to other venues?
Getting the whole package for nearly the price of the new engine is certainly attractive--a free boat--although it makes me wonder... A boat with major neglect issues basically cannot be sold for any price. Make sure this isn't one of those. It might seem like a no-lose proposition until you need to put several thousands into her, or worse, get rid of her. (What do you do with a 25' fiberglass hulk that nobody will take from you? Ask "TXbigfoot".)
If you are committed and don't have an opportunity to remove the pulpit and check the core around the holes, at least tighten the nuts securely to see if the deck compresses - bad sign.
If you don't want to fool with trailering, check out uship.com - I had my TR/FK moved from Oriental NC to Alabama - about 500 mi - for <$1000 and I don't have to store a trailer.
Notice: The advice given on this site is based upon individual or quoted experience, yours may differ. The Officers, Staff and members of this site only provide information based upon the concept that anyone utilizing this information does so at their own risk and holds harmless all contributors to this site.