Drying out bav 38 lead keel

[Clouds]

Hi this is my first post on this forum. I'm considering a circa 2003 Bav 38 with the deep lead keel and wondered if anyone on this forum has experience of drying one out (10metre tide range!) alongside a wall or jetty?

I would not plan to do this often probably just the odd overnight and typically on a concrete drying pad. The primary benefit would be a for quick jet wash, antifoul, anode change between tides, rather than the £500 I would pay for a lift in my marina.

I want the deep draft lead keel to maximise performance. I have owned shoal draft and while theoretically as stiff they have shorter rudders to prone to lose grip when on the limit.

Thank you for any advice.

[dawntreader]

It is feasible to do this on a drying pad. I think you will find the deep keel is made of pig iron not lead - but I could be wrong. If it is pig iron it will need more work to clean and prepare than you may think. I have been doing the anti-foul on my boat for 10 years now and it takes me 3 hours to do 1 coat of Cruiser Uno (a popular anti-foul brand) from end-to-end. This does not include preparation time. I think you will be struggling to do all the jobs in one [tide] and you may want to consider planning to do them over a couple of cycles.

[Clouds]

Thanks. It is advertised as a deep lead keel but cannot find any detail on its shape, I'll double check.

I'd have about 8hours so plenty time to antifoul and anode change. Perhaps every other year I would cradle her for a proper job.

[Yngmar]

Thanks. It is advertised as a deep lead keel but cannot find any detail on its shape, I'll double check.

I'd have about 8hours so plenty time to antifoul and anode change. Perhaps every other year I would cradle her for a proper job.

Allow enough time for the paint to dry

The default shallow draft keel (cast iron) is a bulb shape (data sheet with sketch), while the upgraded deep draft (lead-antimony) is a dorsal fin type, as depicted here:



It may need support under the bow to keep it from pitching over forwards (at the very least trim weight aft), but can rest on the keel just fine.

[Clouds]

Brilliant many thanks.

I think I would risk drying out on that keel. For the first time I'd have a pole to support the bow.

On previous boats I've powerwashed and antifouled over a low water. Though I'm considering coppercoat and I would then just have to power wash once or twic a year.

A lot cheaper than the £500 a proper loft costs.

[Fenders]

Clouds

I think you are correct regarding the lead keel.

My 2004 Bavaria 32 also has a lead keel.
Apparently it was a factory fitted option.
Mine is ashore at the moment being antifouled and is next door to another 32 of a similar age.
The other one has a cast iron keel and requires a lot of attention due rusting and pitting.

Fenders

[willfinch36]

On a slighty different note - I tend to find that my Bav 37 (shoal draft) tends to want to sit back on the rudder - hence I put the support in (well actually a friend in a wetsuit did!)

[singlefish]

I can assure you my bavaria 38 2003 with manufacturers ( wouldnt think there would be any third party keels ) lead keel is a standard deep fin with flat bottom , no bulb , no sweeping curves , flat deep and solid lead

[singlefish]

B38 2003 deep lead keel

[singlefish]

Ps the deep keeled b 38 of the 2003 era is a fantastic boat , very fast , very easily handled by two , excells in all departements , with 55 hp cream on the cake !

Much admired with its timeless looks .

Weve cruised all over west coast scotland for which its ideal , fast easy passages , ability to motor into anything if required ,

Cruise mainly ,every weekend and holiday my wife and i .

And won many white sail races , infact 3rd worst result

Infact dont let anyone say they dont go upwind , we were 3rd across the water in a race 25 miles upwind in a force 4-5 only just behind a sunfast 40 , ahead of first 40.7 only beaten by "drum " the 70 foot maxi on hcap .regularily beat benny 37'9, 409' s and 2:1 in our favour against starlight 38 ,all across the water , up and down .

Easily depowered rig that can be flattened off and full sail carried up to 25 knots if it takes your fancy .

Tons of room , we love ours , heading into our fifth season

[Clouds]

Brilliant response many thanks. This is a top forum where the responses are actually useful!

[Clouds]

Hi Singlefish,

Your sailing requirements mirror mine. Any tips or modifications for maximising performance. I'm guessing you have decent sails and a folding prop to be performing so well? And a clean bottom

[singlefish]

Yes , ive got a vectran main , lightdacron with vectran weave through it , sets beautifuly and is supposed to keep its shape for at least 10 yrs , cost same as a heavier best dacron , and a properly cut genoa , best dacron ,

Clean bottom most of season ,



Volvo three blade folding prop , makes huge difference over fixed , no lack of performance under motor either . For sailing performance a folding ,feathering prop is a must .

Otherwise up wind flatten sails off and pull,them in , tight ! The b38 rig is amazingly versatile .

Good luck