Greetings....
I'm back after a ten year absence from the C36IA... I was very active for many years, then put my C36 into storage as I got sucked back into the corporate world.
A few of my articles are still here, my floor board replacement, engine panel upgrade, 22K BTU ac installation, etc..
I've recently pulled her from storage and have started a bow to stern refit as I prepare to move her to Havana late this year.
I have one of the first C36's Tall Rig (hull 146), with a 6' Draft.
Here in South Florida and when I cruised the Bahamas for five years it was a real pain due to the draft.
Back circa 1997/1998 there was a bunch of discussions here on the forums about a company that made replacement keels for the C36 MK1 and a few owners had replaced their fin keel with a shallow draft wing keel...
Anyone remember that or have any information if the company that did that is still in business? I reached out to Catalina and they weren't much of a help.
I remember it being in the $5K range back during the discussion thread, but haven't been able to find it in the forums..
I've got a month in the yard in October and since I was going to replace the keel bolts, made some sense to do the keel upgrade if I can find it and resolve the draft issue at once.
Mark H. Balentine
s/v "Bombay Explorer" (1983 C36, #146)
Fort Lauderdale, Florida
You might try Mars Keel in Burlington, Ontario.
http://marskeel.com/
They were advertising in Mainsheet I believe and I suspect they may at one time have supplied keels for Catalina. They make custom keels as well.
Bud -
That's the company!!!! Thank you so much.. I've been searching archives without any luck.
Already talking to them. They have two optons for C36 (MK1), the first being a draft reduction and the second being a keel replacment.
The draft reduction process is to basically cut off a section of your keel and attach a split torpedo bulb.
They are pretty sure they still have the sholl draft keel mold for the MK1 around their facility and are working on a quote..
I will post it when I get it for others to have. My hunch is going to be in the $5K range as that was what it was years ago...
Thanks again,
Mark
Mark H. Balentine
s/v "Bombay Explorer" (1983 C36, #146)
Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Got the quote for the new keel.. Still having chest pains..
Roughly $17,000 before any yard costs / installation costs. A direct shallow draft replacement of the C36 MKI Tall Rig 6' fin keel.
The second option is what they they (MarsKeel) calls a draft reduction. It's a processof cutting down the existing keel and attaching a split torpedo bulb. I need to haul in order to take the proper measurements so that they can quote it but the "rough" estimate is in the $6K range.
Mark H. Balentine
s/v "Bombay Explorer" (1983 C36, #146)
Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Does anyone know if the keel from a '95 will fit on a MkI? I have a wing keel that I would love to exchange for a deep keel. No need for shallow draft in the NW.
Bruce Campbell
Evergreen Dreams #1409
Bruce,
I think the answer is yes, but that would be a question for Gerry Douglas at CY. He designed our boats.
Tom Sokoloski
C36/375IA Past Commodore
Noank, CT
We have the fin keel, and years ago when I was commodore I found a wing keel from a 36 for $800, so I thought about making the switch. I called Gerry to discuss and he said, " turn 180 degrees and run from that idea", first he said the chance of removing keel without damaging stub and boat is less than zero, plus my thought that the replacement bolts would fit perfectly was flawed, they never do and wont. He suggested Mars also (especially since local to me) but cautioned boat won't perform the same vs a stock wing keel and reduction in resale value. He told me if I want a wing keel boat, sell mine and by another boat with the wing, a much better option. Bottom line, we deep sixed that option and kept the fin, glad I talked to him before making that move.
Chic Lasser
Past Commodore
Thanks Chic. Good info.
Bruce
Bruce Campbell
Evergreen Dreams #1409
With Gerry saying that it's impossible to remove the keel without breaking the boat, I'm trying to imagine how we are supposed to do this if/when the keel bolts corrode and need replacing.
Ben Ethridge
Miami, FL
1984 MK1 Hull# 263
I guess that also begs the question about using a keel from Mars. Considering that they advertise in the Mainsheet, you would assume that a switch is possible.
Bruce Campbell
Evergreen Dreams #1409
What Gerry was saying is don't expect an easy drop in, not going to happen. Friend just bought a 2005 c36 needed some keel work, yard unbolted keel and hung in lift for three days, keel didn't budge. Called CY and they told yard to glass joint and feather would stop leak. Yeah it probably can be removed but big deal and big bucks.
As for mars, hey you can do a tying you want and many people do, but be aware it effects boat and resale value