Keel options

[watsonfleet]

Hi
I recently salvaged a 26 foot clipper daysailer but in the salvage operation I lost the keel (we had to get it off to float the boat off the shore) and now im am thinkin gof options for a new keel. I plan on using the boat for racing but i dont want to put excessive money into a new keel or time so i was thinking of a bulb keel extending about 5' or 6' from the bilge. The origanal keel was a +-4' skeg keel with a weight of about 450 pounds. please send me any ideas.
Thanks

[MikeJohns]

Without re-engineering the hull you would be best advised to stick to her design. You have to look at the loads and how they are transmitted to the hull. Usually a keel change like you propose would need alterations to frames floors and hull.

[watsonfleet]

Im thnking of making a very simalar keel but but having it as a sheath where an extension will extend from and will have the bulb at the end of it

[astevo]

any chance of salvaging the keel?
otherwise just get castiron or steel and youll be right... dont waste your money on anyhting too fancy

[watsonfleet]

the keel was taken to the local dump by the goverment(idiots) so its gone. ive worked out how much lead ill need and its not much. thanks though