At right is a scan of the Leif
Beiley custom designed "lead" keel for the Beneteau
First 235 that adds about 9 inches of depth to the stock fin
and more righting ability. This keel is very close to his B
boat designs that have received some acclaim. Take a look at
the line drawing below at right for similarities; it appears
as if Leif has refined the keel design even more with his new
Bravura 29. Leif has since started Bravura
Yachts where his Bravura 29 is found.
The Beiley F235 lead keel brings more of the weight at a lower
point and adds a total of 75lbs of weight. With the lead keel
offering more density and weight than the comparative stock
iron, the wetted area was reduced as well. See the comments
from Leif via the larger shot of the drawing at right (click
for full).
Jeff Burne currently owns Pegasus, the F235 with this
excellent lead keel. Jeff sails off the California coast, where
the design is surely welcome. Jeff comments below:
As far as
the handling goes, the previous owner told me the boat was able
to point much better with the modified keel. I never sailed
her before so I don't know what the degree of difference is.
From all I'm reading about how tender the F235 is (especially
the wing keel) the modified keel seems to make her a stiffer
boat. I've been out in winds of 15 to 20 knots with a full main
and 100% jib without any problems. At 20 knots and above I have
to go to the stock jib, which is a little smaller, or reef the
main - Jeff Burne
I envy this keel for the lead
and the righting ability in fresh conditions although the added
depth at 4.5ft is quite a change from the standard wing keel's
2.9. Still, I think this compromise well worth it for those
sailing in more windy conditions.
I plan to be commenting on
the wing keel's performance in ocean coastal sailing in winds
that average between 15-18 knots daily. I think that either
the wing or the fin do not really do this kind of sailing justice
and wish Beneteau had elected to move to lead. Not only would
this have brought about better performance in heavier air, but
it would have knocked the maintenance factor worry in half as
the rust aspect of iron is always an issue.
Jeff Burne's Pegasus - Lead view
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View of keel from bow.
This keel is significantly thinner narrow than the Wing
Keel. The Beiley custom keel brings better performance,
especially upwind.
Click for full view.
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See
NEW Leif Beiley Re-Designed Beneteau F235 Lead Keel Mk III
below: Pegasus and fleet surprised by gust after start...
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