Keel for Martha Jane
After finally getting a look at the MAIB discussion of the MJ
modifications, I'd like to throw one more into the ring - how about a
fixed keel similar to that on Long Micro, and get rid of the
leeboards? After all, the latest model is almost a totally different
boat anyway. With, say, the Long Micro keel weighing in at 532 lbs,
you could do away with the water and have more storage space. It
would be dead easy to adapt the LM keel for the MJ. The boat would
only be that 532lbs heavier than the original on the trailer, but
have offshore capability good and maybe better than with
water and internal ballast.
This would probably not be necessary or desirable for enclosed
water sailors or those heading outside on a "fair weather prospect",
but if one wanted to head offshore and risk dicing with the weather,
I think it would be worth thinking about.
Why not then build a long Micro, or something else? For
start the new MJ cabin is huge, the sail is more manageable in strong
winds, and she's fast. (Plus I've bought half the materials for
MJ!) Long Micro is a great boat too for all you owners out there and
I went close to deciding to build one.
The only disadvantage I can see is that you won't be able to
drive her up onto the beach, but this cabability I think is over
valued. For a start, you have to be careful that you don't get stuck
there, especially if the tide goes out, there is the prospect of
landing in a depression and tilting sideways, whereas how hard is it
to either wade ashore, tow a tender or pull into a wharf?
I would be more than happy building the original MJ as drawn
and have years of happy sailing in her, and I'm pretty confident that
she wouldn't give me any grey hairs re righting moments, heel angles
etc. However we may as well discuss these different options to
continue the evolution of the design for those who maybe want
something a little different.
Regards,
Col Mooney
modifications, I'd like to throw one more into the ring - how about a
fixed keel similar to that on Long Micro, and get rid of the
leeboards? After all, the latest model is almost a totally different
boat anyway. With, say, the Long Micro keel weighing in at 532 lbs,
you could do away with the water and have more storage space. It
would be dead easy to adapt the LM keel for the MJ. The boat would
only be that 532lbs heavier than the original on the trailer, but
have offshore capability good and maybe better than with
water and internal ballast.
This would probably not be necessary or desirable for enclosed
water sailors or those heading outside on a "fair weather prospect",
but if one wanted to head offshore and risk dicing with the weather,
I think it would be worth thinking about.
Why not then build a long Micro, or something else? For
start the new MJ cabin is huge, the sail is more manageable in strong
winds, and she's fast. (Plus I've bought half the materials for
MJ!) Long Micro is a great boat too for all you owners out there and
I went close to deciding to build one.
The only disadvantage I can see is that you won't be able to
drive her up onto the beach, but this cabability I think is over
valued. For a start, you have to be careful that you don't get stuck
there, especially if the tide goes out, there is the prospect of
landing in a depression and tilting sideways, whereas how hard is it
to either wade ashore, tow a tender or pull into a wharf?
I would be more than happy building the original MJ as drawn
and have years of happy sailing in her, and I'm pretty confident that
she wouldn't give me any grey hairs re righting moments, heel angles
etc. However we may as well discuss these different options to
continue the evolution of the design for those who maybe want
something a little different.
Regards,
Col Mooney