[C320-list] Cracking in sump area and the Wing Keel debate

[Kirk McCullough]

Boomerang has the winged keel, and it points reasonably well. When we race I 
don't find we are out classed by other Catalina's to windward. But the 
J-Boats outpoint everybody. After we installed the Kiwi folding prop last 
spring it seems to point a little higher than when we had the 3 blade fixed 
prop. I would recommend a folding or feathering prop of some type.

I hit a rock in a narrow channel a couple of years ago and thought I would 
have significant damage since the boat stopped instantly from 4 kts. But 
there was not much more than a shallow gouge under the port wing where it 
made contact. No damage to keel bolts either. It was simple to repair at the 
next haul-out.

Kirk McCullough
Boomerang #124



----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Warren Updike" <wupdike at hotmail.com>
To: <c320-list at catalina320.com>
Sent: Thursday, November 23, 2006 9:22 AM
Subject: Re: [C320-list] Cracking in sump area and the Wing Keel debate


Wing keels don't point so well.  45-50 deg. is about the best I can do. 
Perhaps if the rig were tuned better or I had a back stay adjuster I might 
do better.  Also, newer sails might perform better upwind.  However, the 
boat makes up for it's upwind issues when running.

Here on the Chesapeake Bay where there are lots of shallows, the wing keel 
is the best bet.  There was a full keel in Annapolis that an ex-Californian 
was trying to sell for nearly two years.  6 foot drafts are hard to sell 
here.  That being the case, it is said there are only two kinds of sailors 
on the Chesapeake: Those who have run aground, and those waiting to go 
aground.  Fortunately, most bottoms here are soft to firm mud (read goo.) 
Rarely will one bottom out on rocks.  I have never had a hard ground under 
full sail.  It's usually when motoring in an anchoring situation.  So, I 
have no real experience to offer other than to say that I've not heard of 
any complaints or issues with the wing keel or it's hull joint.  It's been a 
great boat for us.

Warren & Pattie Updike
C320, #62, 1994, "Warr De Mar"
Frog Mortar Creek, Middle River
Chesapeake Bay