Bilge Keels?

[nonitoo]

I reckon that a steadying sail would probably be more effective and cheaper than bilge keels.

Don't forget that a boom could also be used to lift stuff aboard, depending on the configuration, of course.

I was not trying to be awkward, just reiterating that rapid rolling is not due to being top heavy.

Tom

 

[oldmanbitter]

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
Steadying sail seems to be the least expensive and most user friendly option. I already have a stainless steel mast. Would I need a boom, or is the sail supposed to be fixed?

[/ QUOTE ]

The bickerers seem to have forgotten you /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif

You do not NEED a boom as any sail (including a steadying sail) may be loose footed. BUT you do need to be able to sheet it in at the appropriate angle (depending on wind direction relative to your heading). Make sure you can set the sail at a wide range of angles to the centreline of the boat.

You could do this with a metal bar or track across the beam of the boat to which you could fasten the sheet. A cheaper but less convenient method might be 2 seperate sheets from the sail fastened to a fixed point either side of the boat. adjust the two sheets to get the appropraite angle.

I must admit I tend to use my sails for drive rather than stability (that's just a minor bonus to me) so someone else may be able to advise you better.

Stuff the technical arguments, it's more important to try helping each other. /forums/images/graemlins/smirk.gif

[/ QUOTE ]

Thanks Searush. That is exactly what I needed to know. I'm on a very limited budget, so like to do all the work myself if I can and as my boat is a 35 year old, 17 ton lump of steel, it's probably only trial and error that will fix my problem. I had an idea to make the mast into a beam with a tarp cover when I'm on the river to give me outdoor space when it's raining.
Cheers for the advice

 

[Shorn100]

[ QUOTE ]
I have a 36ft dutch steel boat. A standard inland waterways cruiser from the 70's. I have taken her out to sea many times and the roll in any kind of swell is a bit scary, as like all similar boats she is top heavy and fairly flat bottomed. My question is, will fitting bilge keels make a big difference? any advice would be appreciated. Thanks

[/ QUOTE ]

I think you gave us a clue in the second sentence - it's an inland waterways cruiser and should not be taken to sea.

If you really feel you want to make some changes then consult a naval architect - not a forum where the advice can often be circumspect.

I trained as a naval architect several years and my immediate reaction is that adding a steadying sail is the last thing you should do - but without proper measurement and calculations the exact changes can not be advised.

It may well be better and cheaper to look for another boat.

Sorry to be a killjoy.

Shorn

 

[Searush]

Hmm, good point Shorn, I presume you are thinking of the effect of wind gusts on a sail which could be catastrophic if there is little stability.

However I suspect that Oldman is thinking of something pretty small - possibly 70-100 sq ft. But at least one deep reef & some sort of quick release mechanism for the sheets would seem to be sensible.

Oldman; if you decide to experiment, cut the sail flat with straight sides & reinforce the seams. The Luff & foot should be roped & you will need re-inforcement at each corner (& the reef tack) where you put the cringles to attach halliard, downhaul & sheets.

 

[oldmanbitter]

I appreciate the comments. I don't go out to sea in windy weather, as I understand the limitations of the boat. I don't go out in a big swell either (we have some big ones on the west coast of Ireland). I just wanted a bit more stability in a 3 or 4 foot swell. I would only fit a 80/100 square foot sail and play around to get the best solution. I wouldn't sell her, as she's the best of both worlds - shallow draft for inland, but 120hp inboard and built like a brick s**thouse for going offshore.