Fiskars Chance 44 - Britton Chance

[jannik]

Hi every one.

Im thinking of buying my first boat, I live in Denmark. And is going to use the boat for small trips to sweden and germany etc.
And in a few years maybe a long voyage around the world.

The boat I've got an eye on, is a "Chance 44" from 1972. An old lady, but a very beautiful one.

The boat got a lifting keel, and I have never tried it or know anyone who has.
So my question is, what are the pros / cons with a lifting keel. (is it expensive to repair etc?)



And if u know the boat, what do u think of it?

Thanks, and have a nice day.

Jannik

[roverhi]

Is it a lifting keel or a center board?? A center board is a relatively trouble free and easily fixed device. Lifting keels usually involve a lot more involved hardware and structural issues. There can be an issue with breaking the board off in an accidental grounding or wear on the board axle. Neither has been an issue for me in the two center board boats I've owned. Have run aground too many times and the only problem was once board jammed in the trunk by small rocks. A little work with a screw driver prying out the rocks solved that problem. For the most part have sailed with the board up so it's not an issue in grounding.

Own a center board boat and the only problems with it is the boat has to hang in the travel lift slings to paint the board and replacing the center board pennant. The first is no big thing for most yards, just lifting the boat at the end of the workday so you can anti foul paint it the evening before and launch the next morning. Amsteel and other high strength lines make replacing the pennant virtually a non issue.

[jannik]

I believe it is a lifting keel. But honestly i don't know the differences.

The system got two hydraulic pistons, that brings the keel up and down.

I dont have any pictures of the system. But I do have a few pictures of the inside and out.





In the center, behind the mast. The keel is hidden in the big "box"

[fseadog]

Did you buy the boat?

[vardivela]

hello.
did you buy the yacht?
i have the same yacht.
it is very nice boat.
if you want to share any think about the boat.
you are well come.
erez vardi.

[ErnestV]

Obviously he didn't buy her, she's still on the market. I've been researching for the same reason - will abstain because of the lifting keel (I assume it to be because of the hydraulic pistons he mentioned)