Howdy I just completed my first full season with swing keel Capri and can give you a few observations. First that there's a world of difference between mine and your fixed keel version, and it's a trade-off. If you're a single hander and do a fair amount of trailering you're best off with my boat. It's far easier to launch/retrieve alone and even to store on your property. Low trailer profile reduces raised eyebrows from neighbors and with a pull dolly (bought mine at Cabela's) it's possible to drag it around if you're at least average in strength. I'm 64 and have no problem. Your version is about 200 lbs heavier and about 2 feet taller on the trailer so I think that demands precision when retrieving, definately a 2 man operation. If mine's off center it's easy to pick up the rear end and scoot it over. But it's surely a tender boat under gusty conditions. My remedies to that were having a set of reef points installed in main (look into this), weigh 200 lbs, and also fortunately had 5 seasons under my belt with a Catalina 22 on Lake Michigan! With experiance you will develop an instinctive feel for dealing with those conditions and should do just fine. Being a new sailor I think you are best off with your fixed keel, that should be a hard boat to knock down. Wishing you fair winds, keep us posted as you progress!Just wanted to introduce myself, new to the forum, and new to sailing. I just purchased a Catalina 14.2K (v2) fixed keel. I had asked around my marina, and was told it would be a good boat to learn the basics and have some fun. I have ZERO sailing experience, but have owned several power boats, and currently have a 26 ft Bayliner cabin cruiser docked at our local marina. My wife and I live in northern California on the San Francisco Bay Delta. The boat is a little rough around the edges, but structurally sound, and complete. Just wanted to say "hi!" and look forward to accelerating my learning curve by reading up, and getting wet...
Cheers,
Rocky
I would think that keel is securely fastened and the boat would not be harmed if it lays in the mud. And here's the # for Catalina tech support 916-843-1971. I would run your question through them, they're very helpful! Also, i assume you have some noticeable currents there, wondering how you would deal with that? Could you get sent downstream to a place that you didn't want to end up at?Fixed keel, soft mud, any issues?
Just doing a trial test of photo transfers, here's a shot of my Mod 1 leaving it's home port of Des Plaines, Il.
I have a 16.5 keel. No issues with mud, it either cuts thru or stops. Rocks is another thing as they scratch the bottom paint. Just stick to deeper water (3+) and anchor off the shore. A Danforth HT 5# with 6' of chain works great.Fixed keel, soft mud, any issues?