beaching legs

gordon029

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Hi I am looking at a yacht which I would consider buying.It has a long keel and a 4 ft draft.As I only have a tidal mooring which is quite exposed would beaching legs be an solution and are they safe.The alternative is a bilge keel which seem to sell very quickly . I am a novice so any info would be much appreciated.
 

tugboat

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If the bottom is fairly hard (hard enough to support the pads on the legs) you could easily suffer damage if the boat pounds as she dries out. If the bottom is softish mud the legs will tend to sink in, however it may be the the boat will dig herself a bit of a hole and settle OK on her own. It's not really possible to give an accurate answer not knowing your exact circumstances.
 

sparta

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I was interested to read your comments. I have substantial galvanised telescopic beaching legs for my 22ft Sparta fin-keel yacht. Each leg is fixed by a single bolt which screws into the hull. Lower down there is a pad which lies against the hull. Inside the hull there is a large glass-fibre "carbuncle" which presumably houses the nut. Apart from that there does not appear to be any strengthening of the hull. I have never had the nerve to use the legs as I felt that this arrangement would place a considerable stress on the points at which the legs are fixed. I'd appreaciate any views on the matter.
 

gordon029

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Hi Tugboat Thanks for your input.It was only when you mentioned the settling bit that I started thinking of the weather last summer.As I said The mooring is exposed so I d'ont think I want to rely on two poles 'settling' gently into the sand and hoping the keel will follow their example.I will return to the twin /triple keel variety.Thanks again
 

gordon029

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Thank you Scarlett That is sound advice.It seemed like a good alternative to the limited twin/triple keel market.But the potential for disaster seems too real for me.Thanks again
 

tugboat

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>If the bottom is softish mud the legs will tend to sink in, however it may be the the boat will dig herself a bit of a hole and settle OK on her own.<

When I said this I meant that if the bottom is soft a long keeler might settle into the mud and not need legs at all. Sorry if I didn't make that clear.
 
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