[C320-list] Wing vs Fin

[clburti at gmail.com]

I have had  two rudder posts bent on our wing keel 2001 #867. Unique circumstances that really are unrelated to the length of the rudder in my opinion. In the process of ordering my newest rudder, I discovered that Catalina’s specs are now 4 inches shorter than my current and the OEM rudders. Interestingly, my current rudder is the same length as the current fin keel rudder spec.


I emailed Gerry Douglas about this, but received no response.






Best Regards,
Chris Burti





From: Gene Helfman
Sent: ‎Thursday‎, ‎July‎ ‎16‎, ‎2015 ‎8‎:‎40‎ ‎PM
To: C320-List at catalina320.com





When shopping a few years ago for a C320, we sought advice on the wing vs
fin keel issue, considering the shallower draft advantage of the wing
keel.  The higher pointing of the fin keel boat came up repeatedly but I
don't know if it was resolved.  One liability of the wing keel that is more
than hypothetical is the chance of an anchor line getting wrapped around
the fins when wind and current run in opposite directions, a not uncommon
occurrence.  Also, if the keel depth of the shallower draft wing keel boat
is less than or equal to the rudder depth, the rudder may settle down on or
strike the bottom first when water depth is miscalculated or stranded by a
falling tide (which we of course never do.....).  I'd be curious to know if
wing keel owners have experience with this.

On Thu, Jul 16, 2015 at 3:09 PM, Dick Walker <dickwalker at att.net> wrote:

> David I hope you will be here for the 2016 Regatta at Coronado YC ; 9-11
> September 2016
>
> If any on the list have questions please contact me,
>
> If you are planning to come drop me an email
>
>
> Cheers
>
> Dick Walker
> C-320 #687. WindWalker II
> 740 Olive Ave.
> Coronado ,CA 92118
> 619.435.8986
>
> Dickwalker at att.net
>
>
>
> > On Jul 16, 2015, at 14:29, Utility Email <kswanson123 at comcast.net>
> wrote:
> >
> > John,
> >
> > We have a fin keel C320.  We live in both San Diego and Seattle area and
> have sailed our C320 in both places.  We currently keep the boat in Seattle.
> >
> > There is a serialized list of C320's on the C320 owners website. I
> believe that list shows whether or not the boat is a fin or wing keel.  You
> may be able to get a sense of production quantities from that list.   Also
> search the sailboat and cruisers forums about wing vs fin keel Catalina
> sailboats and I am sure you will find a lot of input there as well.
> >
> > I understand that the fin keel will point a little higher than a wing
> keel.  Makes sense when considering the lift that a fin keel generates
> compared to a traditional crushing boat lead bulb wing keel.
> >
> > We have been really happy with our C320 fin keel in both SD, SoCal and
> Catalina Island sailing as well as sailing in Puget Sound, the San Juan and
> Canadian Gulf Islands. It is the perfect boat for us.
> >
> > Dave
> >
> > David Swanson
> > S/V Emily Ann
> > 2007 Catalina 320 Mk II
> > No. 1107
> > Mukilteo, Washington
> >
> >> On Jul 16, 2015, at 1:04 PM, John Eddy <johneddy123 at gmail.com> wrote:
> >>
> >> Hi everyone,
> >>
> >> I am in the market for a C-320 fin keel. There are a number of 320's on
> >> yachtworld, but most are the wing keel version. Can anyone tell me how
> many
> >> of each were built? It appears the fin was the *option* according to
> what I
> >> can gather from "the Google"... Can anyone assist?
> >>
> >> We're in the Pacific NW so skinny water not a concern...has anyone owned
> >> both versions? I know the race vs cruising argument but I DO like
> >> performance.
> >>
> >> Thanks all,
> >>
> >> Best regards,
> >>
> >> John
>



-- 
Gene Helfman, Professor Emeritus
Odum School of Ecology, University of Georgia
PERMANENT address:
    498 Shoreland Dr., Lopez Is., WA 98261
    (360) 468-2136
    genehelfman at gmail.com

"You noticed nobody gives a damn about beached minnows."