fixed keel on a daysailer

[samthebutcher]

I'm considering the purchase of a 1971 day sailer that appears to have a fixed keel. will this affect my rating, ability to race, ability to launch, etc? any advice is appreciated. thanks.

erik

[algonquin]

Depends on which day sailor you have. The term is very generic with many boats from several manufactures referred to as “day sailors”. What is the manufactures name ? Most boats do have a class affiliation for racing.

A fixed keel can limit your ability to launch the boat at shallow ramps. Any idea how much draft the keel needs to clear the lake bottom ?

[shawn]

If it has a fixed keel then it's not the Daysailer designed by Uffa Fox that this site is devoted to so you wouldn't be able to race in this class. You'll have to find out exactly what boat you have and check to see if it has an active class association. You might possibly be able to race in a handicap fleet. You'll have to inquire at local clubs and see what's available.

Shawn