Stephens 40 CC

[mike auton]

Hi All,

We are looking seriously as a Stephens 40 Center Cockpit, but the boat has a 6ft draft and we are concerned that it might be a challenge sailing around the west coast of Florida. We intend to keep the boat on our dock, we live on a deep water canal but again 6ft draft could prove limiting on the lower tides.

Someone suggested the possibility of taking a foot off the keel? This sounds like a scary prospect to me, but just wondered if anyone else has done this or possibly knows someone who has? We have fallen in love with the boat (I dont say this lightly!!), but dont want to take on something which is going to cause us a headache.

Appreciate any experience/advice.


Best regards


Mike Auton

[Jack Lahr]

Without a naval architect sign off on such surgery (including commensurate sail/rigging reductions) this would be unwise. Even if the design changes were acceptable the original performance targets would be compromised. Talk with a reputable naval architect involved in sailboats.


Sent from my iPhone using Cruisers Sailing Forum

[cpa]

I believe Queen Long made the Stevens 40 in 2 draft configurations, and the shallow draft one drew 4.5 feet (centerboard). I am not sure if the boat has a bolt on keel or if the ballast is encapsulated. If it is bolt on you could have a new keel designed by a NA and built. You might have to alter the rudder as well. The Hylas 44 (Frers design built by Queen Long) is offered in shallow draft model too. Just under five feet.