Your comment on the keelson has tweaked my interest. I am assuming you are referring to the ridges that run parallel to the main keel. I have them on my Cl 16 and never really thought much about them until I read your post.
I am by no means a marine designer but I think the "keelsons" help the boat in steerage and stability. I would think that the keelson would enable the boat to track better (keep a straight line) at low speeds. A definite benefit when docking. MY only comparison would be to put a river canoe (no keel) and paddle in a lake. (Terrible tracking)
With regards to stability, I would think that when the boat heels, the leeward keelson would enable the hull to get a better "bite" on the water similar to a hard chined hull. (CL 16)
As for the effectiveness of them, I have no idea. You mention having them removed from your hull. Obviously that is your perogitive (personally I wouldn't do it to my boat) but my question to you is; "What benefit would you get from removing them?"

You'd also be losing your trailer guides too.