Wing vs Swing Keel

[bdkjones]

Hi Everyone,

I'm looking at buying a Catalina 22 mkII with a wing keel. I have two questions:

1) How easy is it to launch the C22 wing keel at an average ramp? It draws just 6" more than the swing keel in the fully retracted position, so I'm hopeful that with an extendable tongue trailer and the right setup, it's fairly easy.

2) Does anyone have any experience sailing this keel on a C22? I am aware that the fin and swing keels have higher pointing ability. I'm also aware they're slightly faster. I have seen the hard numbers, however, and the difference doesn't look that significant. I am a cruiser, not a racer, so I don't need every ounce of performance.


A bit more info:
I am considering the wing keel because the boat is a great, great deal. Ideally, I'd like the swing but at this price and in this condition, this offer is tough to pass up. My plan is to trailer the boat, not leave it in the water. I realize that the swing keel is ideal for this purpose; I'm just trying to find anyone with a wing keel who can talk about the trailering experience.

[tommays]

It would really depend on the ramps in your area

The trailer would need the extendable trailer tongue (which you have to do when you arive at the ramp)to allow it to get deep enough to float off


On LI all are ramps are deep enough in other places i have been the ramp is barely enough to roll off a power boat before the trailer drops off the ramp into dirt