This is something that I have wondered about. The way I see it, which could be completely off base is that the M23 has a shoal keel built into the hull. The centerboard only represents a fraction of the actual ballast weight, and that portion that is lowered when the centerboard is down is even less. This is very different than a swing keel like a Catalina 25.
So, the centerboard increases the surface area giving you upwind ability, but doesn't play that big a role in the ballast department. I am not sure locking it down would serve any purpose. I have sailed upwind with it up and down and have not really noticed any appreciable difference in the angle of heel. I can point higher with it down. Is that correct? _____ 73 de AC6KW <mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Jeff Grudin, DVM Web Add: http://www.grudin.net Ocean Animal Clinic / Cat Clinic of Santa Cruz - Santa Cruz, California Montgomery 23 Hull #072 Norcal QRP * QRP-L * ARS * AR Qrp -----Original Message----- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Chef Theo Petron Sent: Thursday, March 25, 2004 11:26 AM To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: M_Boats: Big water in the M23 I am obviously being hit with a case of spring sailing insanity. I need to go on a trip with my 23, yes NEED. My concerns are the retractable keel, should I find a way to be able to lock it in the down position? Do I go through the Great Lakes and down the coast or trailer it to Florida and hit the Carib? Just sitting here dreaming.......comments welcome Theo M23 "Port Reduction" _______________________________________________ http://mailman.xmission.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/montgomery_boats --- Incoming mail is certified Virus Free. Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com). Version: 6.0.596 / Virus Database: 379 - Release Date: 2/26/2004 --- Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free. Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com). Version: 6.0.596 / Virus Database: 379 - Release Date: 2/26/2004 _______________________________________________ http://mailman.xmission.com/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/montgomery_boats
