Association Forum - winged keel vs swing keel

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Catalina/Capri 25/250 Sailor's Forums

Catalina 25 Specific Forum

winged keel vs swing keel

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mdunn
Deckhand

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10 Posts

Initially Posted - 05/21/2006 : 23:28:10

hello all,

Does anyone here have any comment on the difficulty in ramping a winged keel boat verses a swing keel. I am interested in a catalina 25, but to make sure i get one that i can easily launch from most boat ramps here in texas. i will be doing most of my sailing on Lake Texoma so if anyone has specific details on ramps there that would be great. I used to do a lot of 420 and FJ sailing in college and am looking to get back into tailing, but with in a bigger boat. A Catalina 25 seems to be strong contender. My main requirements are I want something is comfortable to stay on for a weekend and i want to be able to trailer it as i like the idea of being able to hit up different lakes.

m

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Ben
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1234 Posts

Response Posted - 05/22/2006 : 07:07:16

I went from a Swing design my first year, exclusively ramp launching it each time, then converted to a wing for reason I won't go into hear. The swing was easier to launch and retrieve, though I think it had more to do with the vehicle, an F250 which was higher off the ground than my current Chevy Suburban. Because of the F250's height, I was able to back the trailer in further. With the Suburban, I have to back the vehicle in really far, too far probably.

Personally, I'm working on getting a toung extender set up so I can do this without risking the vehicle. Otherwise I have no problems. One thing I did last year that really helped in the retrieval process was installed guide posts on the trailer. It makes it much easier to line up the boat on the trailer so the wing is sitting properly on the keel pad.

Good luck.

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ClamBeach
Master Marine Consultant

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3072 Posts

Response Posted - 05/22/2006 : 09:24:16

"I want something is comfortable to stay on for a weekend and i want to be able to trailer it as i like the idea of being able to hit up different lakes."

Then a C25 is your boat. Biggest interior with decent sailing characteristics that's available at a reasonable price.

Swinger points a bit better and goes on the trailer easily.
You'll also probably be able to find one for considerably less money than the wings. Swinger in fresh water no problemo. Just keep the bits in good condition. Unless the service history is known, I'd inspect and refresh the swing keel components when you buy her... a new cable and turning ball are cheap and doesn't take long to put on.

If you have the funds and don't mind spending them, the late model wing has more headroom and is the 'premium' variant of the C25... as such, they carry a premium price.

Your first purchase (aside from association membership) should be the Catalina Owners Bible... from Catalina Direct. Lots of useful info and parts.

IMHO: A tongue extension or a 'dolly' is a must for ramp launching. Both can be added or fabricated pretty easily.

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mdunn
Deckhand

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10 Posts

Response Posted - 05/22/2006 : 20:59:21

thanks for the details. i think i could go either way but am leaning towards the swing given the $$$. I will say i am having a hard time finding either a wing or swing for sale that comes with a trailer. any leads out there for something located in Texas or bordering states?

Thanks

M

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IndyJim
Navigator

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USA
130 Posts

Response Posted - 05/22/2006 : 21:22:09

At the risk of opening one of the famous wing/swing debates/discussions, there are advantages to both. If you don't want the swing maintenance, a wing is the way to go.

That being said, I am a swing keel C-25 skipper and I'm very happy with it because... the Admiral (my wife) has mustered up the guts to take her out a few times primarily motoring with her friends. She's has also found one of only two places on my reservoir that is 3 1/2 feet deep and ran aground.

After she got over the panic and called my cell phone, she simply cranked the keel up and floated off. If you go swinger, as was mentioned earlier, do the maintenance on the swing keel parts and have peace of mind. Either way, a C-25 is leaps and bounds above other boats in it's category. You won't be dissapointed with the boat and the upgrades available through Catalina Direct.

Good luck!

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stampeder
Master Marine Consultant

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1608 Posts

Response Posted - 05/22/2006 : 23:11:45

I've got a Swing keel on a trailer with a tongue extension. Haven't used the tongue extension the last couple times I've launched and retrieved. Generally need to use the winch to get the boat up the last 6-12".

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Frank Hopper
Past Commodore

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Pitcairn Island
6776 Posts

Response Posted - 05/23/2006 : 08:12:48

I liked my swinger, I love my wing.

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Gloss
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1916 Posts

Response Posted - 05/23/2006 : 09:26:40

Yeah,

What Frank said,
Having launched/retrieved my 89wing a bunch of times in different places, I'll tell you that the ramp itself is the single most important variable. With a deep and steep ramp you don't need a tongue extension, but with anything less, I'll use my tongue extension on the trailer.
I also have a torsion bar suspension on the trailer which will lower it a couple of inches, and recently installed a very effective keel guide system.
Good luck

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Doug C.
Navigator

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USA
146 Posts

Response Posted - 05/23/2006 : 18:03:59

Any pictures of the torsion bar conversion and keel guides?

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Notice: The advice given on this site is based upon individual or quoted experience, yours may differ.
The Officers, Staff and members of this site only provide information based upon the concept that anyone utilizing this information does so at their own risk and holds harmless all contributors to this site.