Date: 12/23/2006
Name: Jim
email: jhubbard56@comcast.net
subject:
Re: Keel gasket discussion


Below I'm including relevant parts of the Jibsheet rulings on this keel gasket issue that were in the Apr/May 2002 and Sep/Oct 2005 issues, and also a portion of a letter to the Jibsheet editor from the original designer.

Apr/May 2002 Jibsheet

From the Chief Measurer -
"I have made two positive rulings since the last Jibsheet and I want to share them with you. Elsewhere in this issue you will see the "Fleet 52" solution to the "problem" of the keel gasket forward of the keel.
...
"Over the years I have ruled against several proposals to do something in this area of the boat. Some were more clever than others but all restricted the ability to raise the keel without any other action than removing the keel lock bolt and winding it up.
...
"Until now I have never seen an approach to this that I would bother to put on my own boat. But this one looks good. It looks like what the factory should have done to begin with if they were going to have a keel head that protrudes below the boat when raised."

April/May 2002
"To the editor:
"I recently submitted an idea for an improvement to the aluminum keel gasket to the Chief Measurer, Bill McClure. He said it was a very good solution to an on going problem and that my idea met all the requirements for a class legal addtion to the SJ-21. He asked me to put something in the newsletter so that everyone would be aware of my idea and the fact that it is class legal. To that end I am sending you a copy of my letter to him and also a drawing of the fiberglass gasket.
...
"In the process of refining my idea for the gasket, I had to make a mold to build it. Therefore I can build as many gaskets as people want... It took me three tries to get the right shape for the gasket because as the keel goes up and down some interesting things happen to the location of the keel head."
...
Randy Blair, Tri Juan On, # 589

Sep/Oct 2005 Jibsheet

Chief Measurer Mike Chesser -
"As the new Chief Measurer, I have already been called upon to comment and/or rule on several items so Ithought I would take this opportunity to review the "process" as well as comment on a few items.
...
"With these in mind, let me now comment officially on a few items, with these comments satisfying the requirement of documentation in the Class newsletter as spelled out in the Class Constitution.
...
"Forward Keel Fairing In January of 2002, the previous Chief Measurer was asked to evaluate a proposal for a formed fairing that would eliminate the need for the forward keel gaskets and their related maintenance. This issue fell into the category of not being specifically covered, and therefore one requiring "interpretation" as referenced above. Bill had several people across the country evaluate the prototype and eventually reviewed the results of those finding at the Eastern and Western Nationals, ultimately ruling that the device was acceptable. The device did not significantly change the original shape compared to a boat with conventional forward gaskets and battens. It was not specifically an alteration of the hull or the original keel shape. According to Bill, this ruling was subsequently published in the Signal, but has not been reflected in any rewrite of the official Specs. It has, however, been included on a list of rulings provided to each region since then as part of the recommended Measurement package to ensure that a boat with the device is not improperly disqualified. As it currently stands, these forward keel fairings are allowed."


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