wing on a swing Keel

[nick25]

I am considering putting a 2x4 foot wing at the bottom of my swing keep on a 23 foot Aquarius to improve its stability. Is it possible and will it help?

Nick, in recent years some European publications -notably Seahorse-refer to canting keels as "swing keels" where here in the states(as you know) a swing keel refers to the type of keel in your boat which is similar to a very heavy centerboard that pivots up for trailering and beaching. Heres a pix of an Aquarius 23 for those who don't know:

Address:http://www.sailingtexas.com/saquarius23a.html Changed:4:04 PM on Wednesday, December 20, 2006
Are you considering adding this wing to the bottom of the keel when down? What happens when it pivots? I think it's probably a very bad idea from a number of angles including overstressing the keel pivot bolt,trunk,rigging and adding a tremendous amount of high drag wetted surface.
Not to mention the drag pivoted up-unless I misunderstand your idea.
You might consider having a naval architect look at what you're trying to accomplish so that nothing is overloaded. You could ask the architect to consider a redesign of the swing keel so that lead is concentated at the bottom of the keel. I'm not familar with the Aquarius keel but a lot of swing keels were cast iron so by changing the way it is made you could potentially lower the CG(when its pivoted down).If you do that you'll also be altering the longitudinal CG when the keel is up(moving it back). There are a lot of interrelationships that need to be carefully considered. You'll need professional advice on this from someone you looks closely at your boat.