Welcome to Bilge Keel Yachts, (Sailing Boat Owner’s Website).

(Under Re Construction)

^{The intention of this site is to:}                                                                 

^{1.     Encourage sailing in these smaller vessels;}

^{2.     To encourage seamanship by sharing problems, experience.}       

^{3.     Discuss and share the necessary upkeep, repair and modifications.}

^{4.     Introduce the Local of South West Scotland to our Overseas friends.}

Click on a picture to enlarge on a separate browser, right click, save picture as...
 

What is a Bilge Keel?

We are of course referring to yachts and sailing. Basically a bilge keel yacht is a sailing yacht which has twin keel rather than a deep, large singular keel or fin. Some people even refer to yachts with triple keesl as a bilge keel yacht but this is not strictly true.

Bilge keels are two keels that descend downwards at an angle from the hull of a sailing boat, at or near the bilges. This slant allows the boat to have a shallower draft while still allowing for minimum leeway while sailing. The arrangement of the twin keels also allows the boat to stand upright when out of the water without supplementary support, as opposed to a single-keeled boat that would fall over (keel over) if water levels dropped. Twin-keeled boats are generally used in coastal areas that experience extreme changes in tide. When the tide is low the boat will sit on her keels and remain stable and upright. This configuration is particularly valuable for sailors in Britain and many parts of the Eastern United States.

What is the attraction of sailing?

For those who catch the sailing bug, there is rarely any cure. Sailing is far more than a competitive sport; it is enjoyed by millions who sail for relaxation and - for the truly hooked - it quickly becomes a way of life.

Sailing offers relaxation, competition, or adrenaline-surging excitement, depending on how you choose to enjoy it, and the type of boat you sail.

For example, shown below is my triple keel yacht as it was last year, and how it looks this year with extensive modifications..
 

This sailing triple keeled yacht was originally designed and built by Robert Tucker with a thick GRP hull and plywood superstructure. Neglect, deterioration and lack of functionality over the years forced me to make such modifications. Don’t get me wrong it is an excellent sailing vessel, but space and small gloomy interior at the bow led to all sorts of complications.
 

Now, you may not recognize the yacht above as a Ballerina sailing yacht, well it is one of the first Ballerinas ever built and it is sometimes referred to as the Ballerina 1, with its plywood superstructure.

In contrast, the picture opposite show the more common Ballerina, regarded by some as the Ballerina 2, with its all GRP construction.
 

The full repair story of 2006, and the full modifications story of 2007 have been compiled and formatted into a musical slideshow, at least listen and enjoy the music.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at
 GCCMCCULLOCH@AOL.COM
 

Repair of 2006.

Modifications 2007.

Kenneth Graham summed up the lure of boating or sailing brilliantly:

“There is nothing - absolutely nothing - half so much worth doing
as simple as messing about in boats”

In the story of the “The Wind in the Willows”.  Unlike any other sports, boating offers a sense of freedom, independence and exhilaration that, once experienced, often leads to life long addiction. And may I add that the boating experience is not limited to your time afloat, as it includes your repair, your modifications, your time spend at the harbour talking to other boat members and p[assers by, your time with friends trying to lauch and take your boat out the water, your transport on the road on your trailer, your time spent with friends discussing your future proposals etc etc etc. Enjoy the whole boating experience.

This web site is intended as a pragmatic guide to a fantastic sport, hobby and recreational activity, and I hope it also reverberates the life of a boat owner.
 

Submit your advice, problems or tales of the sea.

I was once told by an old sea hand that if you have never been scared out your wits a sea, you know absolutely nothing of boats and sailing.  I therefore request any tales or adventures, (obviously understanding the lack of pictures), due to the difficulties involved during these trials.

My friends and I, (who collectively, are experienced in all walks of life), welcome any nautical or heavy engineering problems you may have. We have a wealth of knowledge of problem solving between us.
 

Is Yachting, Sailing or General Boating, out of your league?

There are many good reasons to own a boat. Its fun, it’s sporting, it’s romantic and it’s adventurous. It bonds family and friends together for special memories. There’s that irresistible pull of the ocean that says, “Let’s go!” And, of course, there’s a certain prestige in owning a well maintained yacht.

I don’t know your personal circumstances, but my answer is generally NO. The popular perception of yachting is that it is a very exclusive sport, very expensive and accessible only to the rich or well connected. Yes it can be, but treat this perception as the exception, rather than the rule. Yachting is possible for any one with the burning desire, and access to the sea, (or lakes), with a few exceptions or course.
 

 More→.

Feel free to pass on your problems or solutions to me at the guest book at the top of the page,
or contact me at gccmcculloch@aol.com

Click on a picture to enlarge on a seperate browser.

How my yacht was repaired and modified is shown in detail. How you may have repaired or modified your yacht or boat is also of interest, and I need to here from you at gccmcculloch@aol.com to share your developments with others; who may have similar inspirations or problems, and who would be grateful for your insight.

At least, please sign the guest book, (which is  provided by Bravenet) at the top of the page.
 

About the Owner and Creator of this website.
 

Let me introduce myself here, my name is Gordon McCulloch and I have been working and sailing in boats all my life. I was brought up near the coast,

I served with the Merchant Marine, (Navy), and now I occupy myself with boats of all sorts, for fun.

I am also fortunate that I have an excellent support team, or crew to assist in the various ventures.

I feel it is now time to share my knowledge and experience, and welcome any relaxant input.

So please feel free to send appropriate special interest material, anything about sailing, yachts, boats, fishing, in fact anything relevant to the life afloat, and the nautical experience.

The inclusion of your photographs will add depth to your tales and adventures.

To that end I therefore invite you to feel free to input your anecdotes or yarns to the forum, or contact me at gccmcculloch@aol.com .

If requested, and relevant, I will even put your knowledge and experience on this web site, and will faithfully attribute them yourself.

Please contact me at gccmcculloch@aol.com if you have any questions to ask on this web page.

Remember I will be grateful for any relevant editorials from you to include in this web site.

I will of course give you the credit for any I use.

Remember the full repair story of 2006, and the full modifications story of 2007 have been compiled and formatted into a musical slideshow.

They are completely free, so just click on either the above links.