Found out yesterday my 2004 Beneteau 311 has lost it's swing keel portion. First clue was when I was able to pull up the whole lifting mechanism. With the gopro I got the picture below.
Interesting that both the pin that holds the swing keel and the bolt that hold it in the up or low position are still there meaning the cast iron portion failed in two places.
This boat is new to me, got she at the end of December and during the survey this part was there and operational. Have sailed a few times but never touched it, it was supposed to be locked in the up position since the haul out.
Have no idea how to repair. Beneteau dealership has not returned my message yet but wondering if they sell it and how is this thing installed.
Previous owner said it was lubed at every haul out and he never had any issues before.
My current theory is that the part of the swing keel that connects with the lift mechanism broke at some time so the keel went to the lower position. Then perhaps reversing in shallow (less than 8 feet) water put some extra stress on it. Not sure how else it would fail.
Also, do you guys think it is safe to sail in light coastal water and bays as is until a solution is found. Here is the data. The fixed keel version has a ballast of 2,425 lbs. The swing keel version has the same ballast plus 660 lbs on the part that disappeared. So the ballast is currently the same, just the momentum is not since the fixed version is lower.
Thanks
Interesting that both the pin that holds the swing keel and the bolt that hold it in the up or low position are still there meaning the cast iron portion failed in two places.
This boat is new to me, got she at the end of December and during the survey this part was there and operational. Have sailed a few times but never touched it, it was supposed to be locked in the up position since the haul out.
Have no idea how to repair. Beneteau dealership has not returned my message yet but wondering if they sell it and how is this thing installed.
Previous owner said it was lubed at every haul out and he never had any issues before.
My current theory is that the part of the swing keel that connects with the lift mechanism broke at some time so the keel went to the lower position. Then perhaps reversing in shallow (less than 8 feet) water put some extra stress on it. Not sure how else it would fail.
Also, do you guys think it is safe to sail in light coastal water and bays as is until a solution is found. Here is the data. The fixed keel version has a ballast of 2,425 lbs. The swing keel version has the same ballast plus 660 lbs on the part that disappeared. So the ballast is currently the same, just the momentum is not since the fixed version is lower.
Thanks