Rudders & Keels

[AJH]

Im fed up of being blown sideways in my Birchwood 22 and am considering making a keel to bolt to the bottom of the boat - anybody else tried this and if so any technical information available please.

I've also heard of people fitting a rudder onto the outdrive to give better steering at low speeds - any information gratefuly received.

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[Talbot]

dont bolt it on, glass it on, then if you hit some rocks it will only detach the stuck on bits, and not pull holes through the bottom of the boat when the bolts come out - after all that might be a bit embarrassing!!

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[hlb]

Dont see a problem. Less you want it to plane as well. Like the bloke said. Piece of wood. Shaped, then glass it on.

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Haydn

 

[Talbot]

Dont forget that the deeper the keel you build, the further over the boat will lean when drying out on the putty. You dont really need very much to give a bit extra straight line, and it will effect planing speed. The rudders on the outdrive - only seen this on outboards. The pressure on the fixing will be enormous and will be fixed to something not stressed for it (I think I am trying to say not a really good idea) You will have to get used to comeing alongside with the engines going ahead, and then immediately astern, or buy a boat with inboard engines!!!!! Probably worth seeing if you can slow down the slowest engine revs in gear to reduce your speed on arrival at the jetty - but not to low as an engine cut out at this point would not be recommended!

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[martynwhiteley]

By 'better steering at low speeds' do you mean the big problem of low speed wander typical of outdrive boats at river speeds.

If you do, then forget attaching anything to the outdrive leg, it'll just make it worse.

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[AJH]

Thanks Talbot

Thats a sensible idea (wish I'd thought of it)

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[AJH]

Thanks Talbot

Thats a good idea (wish I'd thought of it)

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[AJH]

Boats not fast enough to plane so thats not a problem, just wondered if it would affect any other handling

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[AJH]

I don't normally dry out (only if I run aground). How much would you suggest for the depth of a keel to keep a straight line without affecting handling too much?
I only have a single inboard Penta and the problem is normally when turning onto a finger berth in Hull Marina, when mooring alongside on the river I do as you suggest and don't have a problem.


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