Date: 8/3/2006
Name: Gary Van Dusen
email: vandusen@foxinternet.com
subject:Keel Pin
New questions... old answers,Now that Jeana and I have moved to the east coast we see why many people argue about NOT pinning the keel in shallow lakes. Out west (deep water-high winds) pinning the keel is essential. Over the years this discussion has come up often in this and other venues. While your boat may rest on it's side with the mast in the water and not turtle it only takes one wave to change the situation. We have witnessed a boat in that situation (Coos Bay Oregon), where it was on it's side and NO water was coming into the cabin. Then a wave came in and filled the cabin creating a dangerous situation for the crew and the boat. In heavy air always put in the hatch and pin the keel.
We have often thought a break-away pin might be the answer so if you do hit bottom the pin would shear off and not bend. We have bent ours and it is a pain in the "you know what" to get it out.
On another note: Many of you are new to the Sj 21. Are you a member of the national association (only $25)? It is the membership that keeps this and other Sj web pages operating. Do your share to support the National SJ 21 Association and keep things like the "Harbor" going.
Gary Van Dusen
Fleet 38
Lake Norman NC
Fleet 2
Spokane Wa.
Inland NW sailing
http://web3.foxinternet.net/vandusen
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