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Author: Ralph Deeds
Subject: A Thoroughbred For Seniors
Info: (13791 views) Posted: Wednesday 3-17-04 08:07:57 PM
Harvey, Your idea of adding a bulb to the keel has been tried on a boat in Rhode Island which has been sold and is now, I believe, in San Francisco. I believe the bulb was removed. I never saw the boat but I talked once on the phone or by email with the owner. He was racing the boat in PHRF and trying to gain an advantage. Bolting on a couple of pieces of lead would not be hard to do, but I agree with Larry Fisher that the boat probably sails better the way it was designed, single handed, double handed or with a full crew. Just out of curiosity, have you sailed on an E27? If you haven't I suggest you try it. You'll find out that it's one of the sweetest sailing boats you've ever sailed. As Larry said there's rarely a need to reef. Just vang sheet the main and ease it out in the puffs. All you need to do is use a small (#4) jib when the wind pipes up.

A sail drive might be nice, but IMO it's unnecessary. If you need an outboard, get a small, light one (under 30 pounds) and stick it on the transom before you leave the dock. And tilt it up out of the water when you're not using it. But, as Larry said, the boat is quite easy to sail in and out of the harbor. You can spin it around 360 in it's own length. And it can be easily stopped by grabbing a piling.

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