sue sanchez wrote:
There's an 18 foot sailboat I am interested in buying but it has a
fixed keel of about 3.5 feet. I've only had boats with a swing keel.

Can a boat with a fixed keel like this be LAUNCHED from the trailer or
does it require a crane to sling it into and out of the water?


Yes!!! @ 18 ft it's still not a "big" boat but might be a little
heavier than the average trailer sailer of the same size.

You will need to have a normal trailer changed a bit; to support if
properly, maybe some guides to ensure the keel ends up where you intend
& some fold down side pipes that will give you 4 pipes to float between
till the trailer comes up under her......any good steel fabrication
place can do it & probably make some good suggestions also.

When you say the keel is 3.5 feet; is that the total draft?? Because
you'll probably need to unhook the trailer for launch & retrieve, using
a length of chain between the whatever & trailer also with most pleasure
boat launching ramps you will probably have to play the high tides so
you don't drop off the end of the ramp chasing enough depth.

I could have a trailer built for this boat.

I would suggest you get a secondhand one modified first, trailer & mods
shouldn't cost much then you haven't spent big dollars only to find it's
all too much trouble. However in my view, if you can organise it, it's
certainly worth it, no marine growth/antifoul, haulout fees or worry on
wind stormy nights & you can take it home with you to tinker with.


A passing thought:
Has anyone else noticed that Krause & Gould seem to have not started
"off topic" political threads in our NG the last day or so??? Hmmm this
is a great improvement it's as if we just pressed the button & flushed
hui & gui (although gui would still be spruiking spam underwater:-)).
All our NG needs now is for the return of some of the old great
knowledgeable posters that they chased away with their OT political
nonsense.



K


Thank in advance for your kind help.

sue