Balboa 20

[Dylan]

Sorry if I posted this in the wrong place...
I have a Balboa 20 that's in a slip and I want to redo the trailer so that it's a lot lower for easy ins and outs. Does anyone know off-hand how far the keel reaches down when it's raised? I don't want to dive in with a tape measure, and the boat ramp is too shallow for an easy check. I know the draft is about 18" with the keel up, I just need to know how far down the keel extends. Thanks.
Dylan

[Ishmael]

BALBOA 20 Sailboat details on sailboatdata.com

[Dylan]

Thank you. I saw that... I'm actually looking for the keel-up length.

[GordMay]

Greetings and welcome aboard the CF, Jacques-D.

See ➥ Balboa 20 Swing-Keel refit text

Details about the B20 and other designs from Lyle Hess are available at an excellent web site maintained by Cliff Unruh in California:
➥ http://www.mobynet.com/~cunruh/cliff.htm (Oops, gone dead)

[Dylan]

Thank you Gord. Interesting article. Though I didn't get the detail I was looking for; the keel actual length that the keel protrudes downward from the hull when it is up. I need to know the clearance I need above the axle. I was hoping that someone might have a Balboa parked in their backyard and it would be an easy measurement.

[SailnRails]

Hi Dylan:

Didn't see your question till March 8. The keel on my Balboa 20 hangs down 14-1/2 inches in the full-up position. It is five feet long when retracted. The axle on my trainer is cranked 6 inches, and I launched it in 30 inches of water.

Hope that helps

Chas, PE SE

[Dylan]

Hey Chas,
That sounds GREAT to me. I still haven't found a good fix. My big question to you is: did you put the axle on the trailer or buy it that way? I would really like to know where I could find that axle. Any answers you could give me would be very appreciated.
Thanks,
Dylan

[SailnRails]

Dylan:
The "underslung" axle came with the trailer, but they are available.
Reliable UNDERSLUNG 4in. Drop Axle | Axle Kits | Northern Tool + Equipment

and other places. You probably should get trailer brakes while you're at it.

I was going to attach a picture, but I can't figger out the forum protocols. Anyway, I have to thank you -- When I was measuring my keel, I realized that it was sitting on the axle. I had thought that was OK, then I realized that every time the trailer hit a bump, the keel would be pushed up into the boat! Not good at all!! I'll have to come up with a new support system thet holds the keel up above the axle a couple of inches.