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 Sailing with Keel Halfway down		  New Topic  Topic Locked
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Jweikel625
1st Mate

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USA
59 Posts
Initially Posted - 09/16/2013 :  06:01:44  Show Profile  Visit Jweikel625's Homepage
I have searched this topic for older discussions, but not really seeing my scenario. I am on the Bohemia River in Maryland. Each time I go out, I am sure to touch bottom before I make it to the channel with the keel all the way down. I figured with it down and drawing 5' I am a foot lower then the rest of the fixed keels in the marina. High tide was also 6:30am on Saturday so I was definitely approaching low tide at 10:30am with winds also blowing it out. Usually I can just roll up the keel a bit to keep moving, but this past Saturday I got into more trouble. When I got stuck in mud on a broad reach a gust came up turned my stern to wind and almost saw water over the port rail. Luckily I got the genoa released in time and then lowered the main quickly. I motored out to the channel then was ok. A lot of other bigger boats are sailing these waters, so I am guessing that extra foot we draw is one of my problems. My depth finder as I was motoring out would go from 7' to 4.6" with no consistency. There is no marked channel on this river either.
So my question is, is it safe in moderate winds (5-10 mph) to sail with the keel halfway down. 30 turns of the winch puts the keel fully down, so I am saying 15 turns should give me a 3.5 to 4' draft till I get out. Any thoughts?
1980 SK/SR
http://www.flickr.com/photos/41307503@N06/,
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kPDZgkSfCVg
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redeye
Master Marine Consultant

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3476 Posts
Response Posted - 09/16/2013 :  06:30:03  Show Profile
That's the great thing about having the swing keel.. You can slide over the shallows.

Par for the course.
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Steve Milby
Past Commodore

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USA
5905 Posts
Response Posted - 09/16/2013 :  08:21:53  Show Profile
Raising and lowering the keel is generally safe, as long as the keel cable and mechanism are sound and well maintained.
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Jweikel625
1st Mate

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USA
59 Posts
Response Posted - 09/16/2013 :  09:14:46  Show Profile  Visit Jweikel625's Homepage
But is sailing with is half way down safe till I can get into deeper waters. I motor with it completely up and keep it on the mooring ball completely up. Only lower to sail.
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TCurran
Admiral

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USA
588 Posts
Response Posted - 09/16/2013 :  09:47:46  Show Profile
I sailed almost exclusively with the keel down 20 cranks, even in 15-20 winds. The water I sail in is great for folks with a ~4 keel, but when I'd get greedy while racing and put the keel down that extra foot, it always seemed to find the low spots... Keep the lifting hardware in good shape, don't over power with sails, and enjoy (and the rail in the water every once in a while keeps you on your toes)
Edited by - TCurran on 09/16/2013 09:48:13
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redeye
Master Marine Consultant

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3476 Posts
Response Posted - 09/16/2013 :  09:54:41  Show Profile
<< Par for the course. >>

With the knowledge that a knockdown with the keel half up is dangerous.

I would sail in moderate wind no problem, but a 35+ gusty day is a bad idea.

These boats are kinda hard to knock down...
Edited by - redeye on 09/16/2013 09:56:09
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Stinkpotter
Master Marine Consultant

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Djibouti
9082 Posts
Response Posted - 09/16/2013 :  15:17:13  Show Profile
The ballast effect of the keel shouldn't change that much between 5' draft and 4' draft, but your helm might shift from slight weather helm (?) toward neutral (no pressure on the tiller) or even lee helm (boat wants to turn <i>away</i> from the wind). I consider the latter to be a bit unsafe, and to me, it feels really weird.
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TCurran
Admiral

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USA
588 Posts
Response Posted - 09/16/2013 :  16:40:57  Show Profile
Dave...lee helm was never an issue. I have to sail my "new" C22 the same way, there is always a little weather helm with the keel two-thirds of the way down, enough that you can't let go of the tiller. The Watkins is different, with proper sail trim I can let go the tiller and go grab a cold one from the fridge and barely be off course.

Like Ray said, I don't recommend sailing with it partially up in 35+ winds...but I do my best to avoid those days.
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Jweikel625
1st Mate

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USA
59 Posts
Response Posted - 09/16/2013 :  18:30:38  Show Profile  Visit Jweikel625's Homepage
Thanks for the great advise. Glad to hear TCurran that your sailing depths are similar to mine. I plan on changing out the Keel hardware this winter, even though the PO said it was done, just want to be re-assured!!!
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dlucier
Master Marine Consultant

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Virgin Islands (United Kingdom)
7583 Posts
Response Posted - 09/16/2013 :  18:39:55  Show Profile
Just be careful on how far you crank the keel up as if it is higher than the rudder, the rudder will be the first thing to hit something in the shallows. Learned that one the hard way.
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dlucier
Master Marine Consultant

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Virgin Islands (United Kingdom)
7583 Posts
Response Posted - 09/16/2013 :  18:42:36  Show Profile
Just be careful on how far you crank the keel up as if it is higher than the rudder, the rudder will be the first thing to hit something in the shallows. Learned that one the hard way.
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jerlim
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1484 Posts
Response Posted - 09/22/2013 :  18:26:02  Show Profile
it's OK if you go easy..but I'm with Don on the rudder...
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Jweikel625
1st Mate

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USA
59 Posts
Response Posted - 09/23/2013 :  15:10:52  Show Profile  Visit Jweikel625's Homepage
Thanks everyone. I sailed on Sunday and tried it for a bit to see how it balanced the boat, but luckily high tide was at noon and I sailed from 10-2. depths were in the 7+ for me. It felt fine with 20 cranks down, but figured with those depths and gusts to 20, might as well put it all down. I also sailed with a reef in and partial forward. Amazing how much the reef takes the pressure off the tiller!
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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.