Centerboard depth on M

[dinvab]

I currently sail in a shallow area (Currituck Sound). Depth's can often run 2-3 feet. What is the most common depth you run your centerboard on the M and what is the minimum depth that is needed to sail?

Thanks.

Dave

[Currie]

Hi Dave,
It depends on your point of sail and how much leeway you're willing to put up with. When running downwind you can get by with no board whatsoever, although a couple of feet improves steering. As you come around to reach, maybe 3-4 feet of board is OK. When pointing, you generally want as much as you can get given the water depth. You can point with 2 feet of board down, but you won't really be going in the direction that the boat is pointing . I generally leave mine down all the way whenever sailing. I'll only reduce it if I'm running and getting impatient.

Cheers,
~Bob

[dinvab]

Thanks for the info. Don't think the M will fit the bill down where we are then. Lots of grass and who knows how many sandbars. Average water depth probably 3-5 feet outside the ICW which only runs down thru the middle of the Currituck sound.

[NiceAft]

Dave,

What do you currently sail in those waters

Ray

[bubba]

Try a Hobie Cat for sand bars you will like it.

[dinvab]

Right now we have 4 Hobie 16's. One Hunter 216. We are looking for something that we can use to go to different places like Manteo, Edenton etc. Don't get me wrong flying a hull on a Hobie is sheer exhilaration and we really enjoy. Just looking to expand some.

Dave

[Terry]

According to the factory the full daggerboard depth is set at 57" inches. I have a piece of colored tape wrapped around my daggerboard line marking the 30" inch depth which I believe to be the minimum sailing depth. Why? - Because I once measured how far below the hull the rudders extend down when I was hauling out on a steep ramp, they extend 30" inches below the hull. So I rarely set my daggerboard lower than that because if I hit botttom I would rather have the daggerboard stop me than have the rudders hit as they would likely snap off, whereas the daggerboard may not break so easily. If you are sailing with your rudders down 30" inches is the minimum depth if you don't want to break those rudders. When powering I often set the daggerboard to a point half way between the 30" inches and all the way up, aprox. 15" inches, just to help keep her going straight.

[bubba]

Do your rudders kick up on your Hobies when sailing in your shallows. It would be good if the Mac M rudders would kick up better in shallows.

[dinvab]

Yea the rudders kick up quite often. Starting to get lots of grass to and that is another concern. Sounds to me like the rudders don't kick up to well.

[bubba]

The Mac M rudders do kick up but not as easy as the Hobie rudders. I hear the dagger boards do break with some side pressure. I think the Mac X swing keel boats would be better with sand bars.

[dinvab]

I think you are right and that is the way we will probably lean. Next task, get out on an , see how it rides then find a good one for sale.

Thanks everyone for your input.

[bubba]

Good luck

[Moe]

For shallow water, especially if there's any upwind sailing involved, you should consider a boat with a long, low-aspect ratio, shoal draft keel. Take a look at the Com-Pac 19, 23, and 25. Our Catalina Capri 18 has a pretty shallow draft, but the Com-Pac 25 is only a couple of inches deeper, if you're looking for a larger boat.