Date: 7/8/2009
Name: Michael
email: Mikel8lee@yahoo.com

---

subject: Swing Keel Shallow Water

---

We sail the mighty Miss - lotsa sandbars and stumpfields (trees cut down when they dammed the river). I have broken 2 cables, the Keel pulley block and bent the C pin - this year! I have since retired my new SJ21 to the channel. Previously we sailed a Mariner 19 with a lighter keel, more robust keel system that did not include a pin option, hit stumps and kept sailing. We routinely sailed at less than full keel. That keel was only 120 pounds. I tried a 1/2" wooden dowel at 1/2 down location on Juan. It broke under the static weight of the keel when the winch was relaxed.

I will continue to sail without the keel pinned. What are the real experiences of the group? I understand gusts and center of gravity. What is the potential for a roll unpinned at half keel (or less)?

Thanks, Mike.
SN 2581

---

[Return to Harbor Messages | Create New/Followup Message]