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Catalina/Capri 25/250 Sailor's Forums

Catalina 25 Specific Forum

swing keel to fin

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Doug G.
1st Mate

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USA
49 Posts

Initially Posted - 01/22/2004 : 17:22:31

This may only be a Winter Daydream.
Given prior discussions on swing to wing changes and its costs, and a general consensus that the swinger sails closer to the wind than the fin or the wing, Lets discuss the following:
Intro. I am the 3rd owner of my 83 swing keel/SR. It has always been on the same large, deep water lake, never trailered other than initial launching. I expect that when I am granted my future Sundeer56 or Gunboat63 by higher powers, that the C25 will remain on this lake. I dont use the swing up position for any event.

Is there a way to fix my swing keel in the down, or further, position?Bolt it fixed there, seal up the cable pipe and the slot, And fair a NACA foil around my 1500 lb.'rebar'.
OR, Have I been indoors reading too much this Winter?

Doug G.,83SRSK C25, #3767,Pelican.
Grand Lake,OK

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Raskal
Navigator

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USA
162 Posts

Response Posted - 01/22/2004 : 17:34:49

Surely you'll want to pull her from the water at least now and then--you wouldn't want that permanent toothpick making it an ordeal to prop up for bottom painting or trailer away when the day finally comes to sell her?!

Rich Kokoska

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Frank Hopper
Past Commodore

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Pitcairn Island
6776 Posts

Response Posted - 01/22/2004 : 18:02:10

I don't think a permanent alteration would be wise but taking advantage of what you have seems reasonable. If I had a deep water lake and a good hoist I could sure see taking the cable off the keel and winding it up on the winch for a rainy day. That hum is less than wonderful.

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triley
Captain

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USA
251 Posts

Response Posted - 01/26/2004 : 21:58:46

Wow. Our ordinarily fairly deep lake developed a leak this year making it necessary to bring that swing keel snug up to the bottom of the boat. A fin would have made it impossible to take the thing out of the water. Thank goodness for the swing and a kedge on the main helyard to pull the thing over to bring it through the shallows to get to the ramp. So much for sailing on leaky lakes and thank god for swingers!

Tom

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ClamBeach
Master Marine Consultant

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3072 Posts

Response Posted - 01/27/2004 : 09:20:23

If you're on a freshwater lake why mess around altering the swinger? With a minimal amount of preventative maintenance you shouldn't have any troubles. Swingers usually have a higher resale value than fixed keels due to their ease of transport... someday you'll be trading her in for that Sundeer.

There just happens to be a Sundeer (I think it's one anyway) at the Marina here now... must be a 60 footer or so... what a sleek looking boat. Looks like something out of a James Bond movie.

(Actually I think they are a little too sleek for my tastes).

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svmoxie
Past Commodore

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USA
331 Posts

Response Posted - 01/27/2004 : 11:50:09

Doug,

I'm with Frank on this one... take the cable off. I leave my swing keel down all the time too except back at the dock where it is shallow enough that I have to raise it.

Potentially, filling the keel trunk slot with a long section of closed cell foam would reduce drag slightly but I am not sure that it is worth the expense and effort. The weight is going to hold the keel down in any case, so simply removing the cable will help out with no down side that I can see.

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Herb Clark
Deckhand

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9 Posts

Response Posted - 02/18/2004 : 17:52:20

I've been noticing complaints about noise coming from the keel cable. I changed my cable out many years ago and went to 1/4 inch Spectra. I eliminated my electrolysis prablem immediately. If my "rope" sings a little, I simply loosen the winch slightly to put some slack in it. I periodically put some beeswax on the Spectra to help lubricate. It must be 10 yrs old and has served me well.

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osmepneo
Past Commodore

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USA
1420 Posts

Response Posted - 02/18/2004 : 21:20:44

I'm a die-hard winger, but in your case, assuming the wing is not the conversion you want to make, I would bite the maintenance bullet and check the keel system regularly. It would be a lot more prudent than trying to make your conversion, fixing the swing. That's my thinking.

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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.