swing keel on the ocean

[brandon]

I just perchased a 1982 macgregor 25 with a swing keel.I have no sailing experience, and Im told this is a great starter boat. My question is, can I sail this boat in the ocean, or will the swing keel not allow it? If not, is there any modifications I can make to allow ocean cruzing?

[baldbaby2000]

Depends what the conditions are. I've sailed my Mac 25 in 6 foot waves with no particular problem with the keel. Depending on the conditions, you might want to lock the keel down; there should be a bolt and hole for this. If it's not locked down and the boat turtles, I've been told the keel can slam down and bust the boat. Of course if it's locked down you don't want to hit anything as it's no longer a swing keel.

When you say "sailing on the ocean," that could mean a lot of things. Since you have no sailing experience it's best to have someone who does with you.

Daniel

[Bawgy]

I have taken my V 24 's pout in the ocean many times . I am usually no more than 5 miles out to sea and good weather But many of our friends have swinging keels and go out and play in the blue water

[Graham Carr]

Buck Graham sailed from Santa Barbara to Costa Rica, Playa Flamingo twice (2,918.55 Nautical Miles, one-way).
First time in a 22 MacGregor-Venture, started 1983,
Second time in a classic 26 MacGregor named "Wind Gift" started in 1998
He finally sold his 26 after logging 4,656 Nautical Miles on the ocean.
Both of these boats have Retractable swing keels.
You can see his logs and photos by clicking here.

Graham

[tonyb02]

I TAKE MY V-22 on the gulf of mexico out of hudson ,florida..every week and never had a clue about locking the keel now i have researched it i will lock the keel when i get out deep enough... 10 miles 10 feet the gulf is shallow 5 miles out you can walk back in i guess we all learn something new every day an old salt told me once when u think u know everything hang it up..b cuz u are dangerous and the sea has a way of humbling those who think they know it all...

[valdez53]

Our '83 Mac 25 has been on the Atlantic Ocean several times without problem... however once on Lond Island Sound we had BIG swells that were steep enough for the keel to swing back and then thump back down on the cable... didn't like that so, with much difficulty we put the keel lock down bolt in place and that held it in position... just remember to take the bolt back out if you might hit bottom.... everything is a compromise of one type or another...