Need a new swing keel

Jan 1, 2024
2
ODay Mariner Twin Lakes
Our seascout group is the proud owner of an ODay Mariner with a rotten swing keel. I am told it is beyond repair. A new one appears to cost around $1500 plus crating and shipping. Is there a cheaper way to replace the keel? The man in charge is looking into having one fabricated. Thanks in advance for the advice.
 
Feb 8, 2017
108
MacGregor MacGregor 25 Middle River
Happy New Year! My dad had an O'Day Mariner when I was growing up and we sailed the heck out of her -- great boat. I know for a fact that it's still being sailed, just not by us. My memory banks are reminding me that it was a centerboard boat, not a swing keel. And because of that, unless you can find a scrapped one somewhere, I think that a fabrication will be the way to go. I do remember dropping the CB for service in the off-season, and it was easily manageable by the two of us. I have a boat with a swing keel, and at 625 lbs, it's a mother and can be challenging and dangerous to service.
I applaud the fact that this old, really well-built boat is still to be in service and teaching young'uns about sailing and life! Good luck and let us know what you end up doing.
Cheers, Ron
 
Jan 1, 2006
7,588
Slickcraft 26 Sailfish
For the one time I sailed an O'Day Mariner I thing it had a metal CB. What is the material of MBBoater's? "Rot" implies wood. Or is it wood with a metal inset? Sailboatdata has it listed at 300 lbs.
 
Jan 1, 2024
2
ODay Mariner Twin Lakes
What is the material of MBBoater's? "Rot" implies wood
I am sorry… I think the material is iron. By rot I meant rusted so much that it can not be repaired.

If anyone knows the general process of having one fabricated, please advise. Thanks
 

pgandw

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Oct 14, 2023
150
Stuart (ODay) Mariner 19 Yeopim Creek
It's worth joining the Mariner Class Association. Over 250 owners of the 4000+ Mariners produced are members. Membership is $15/year. See Mariner Class Association.

Lots of advice on rehabbing/replacing the iron centerboards that came with the ODay Mariners - and everything else Mariner. I have a Stuart Mariner which has a 70# composite centerboard and internal ballast to make up for the lighter weight board (that would also be a possible option). No windlass required, just a 2 part line to raise the centerboard.

Please don't hesitate to ask more questions.

Fred W
Stuart Mariner 19 #4133 Sweet P
Yeopim Creek, Albemarle Sound, NC