Rocket 28 transforms into a canting keeler
by Tony Cuschieri 10 Apr 2020 19:34 BST
Transforming an old Rocket 28 into a canting keeler © Tony Cuschieri
Tony Cuschieri of Victoria, Australia, has sent Sail-World photos and video of the latest project he has got involved in. Canting keels are complicated, whether a new build or a retrofit (and we're not sure what category this belongs in, as the boat has been scraped back to it's very bones!).
We are transforming an old Rocket 28 into a canting keeler with new deck, cockpit and lots of other bits and pieces. The unique canting/lifting keel case is in mock-up stage but you can see where it will fit eventually. This video demonstrates the pivoting.
The Rocket, originally named Froth & Bubble, was in pretty bad shape when I got it, but at 26ft she will closely resemble a half-size TP52 when finished.
We intend to create a flush deck, deeper and longer cockpit, athwartship sheeting, plus a newly-designed carbon fibre keel.
With all these modifications and upgrades it seems like the boat will be reborn as an AC26! Remember we want to hear YOUR stories of boat repairs, renovations and invention too.