2nd Lock down bolt?

[Dennis]

A question for all the swing keel addicts. I was thinking about adding a 2nd lock down bolt to my swing keel. It would provide a triangular set up, along with the pivot bolt and eliminate some of the free play in the keel itself. It should make for a much stronger set up! Has anyone done this before?

 

[John Dawson]

Opposite heading

A second bolt hasn't occured to me; in fact I was contemplating weakening the first bolt so that it would shear in a solid collision with obstructions. I admit I often sail without any lockdown, especially on lakes. Are you experiencing a lot of free play in the keel? What are the symptoms? Have the seals ever been replaced? I suppose if the pivot bolt is too loose, you would be seeing seepage. What kind of boat are we talking about?

 

[MArk]

Jammin'

Dennis,The knocking is usually not a problem when sailing, it's a problem when anchored or docked. When sailing, there is side pressure against the swingkeel that keeps it jammed to one side or the other. Next time you are on the hard, check the swingkeel for side to side play and check your pendant often for wear. If the cable fails, that falling swingkeel can damage the trunk and sink your boat.Happy (fusion powered) sails *_/),MArk

 

[Dennis]

Pendant?

What is the pendant you are talking about? I dont recognize that part! I was considering using a second slip cable as well incase the first main cable to the winch should snap! This would catch the fall of the keel and prevent any damage! They say these Ventures are unsinkable with all the foam flotation in them!

 

[MArk]

Pendant, pendent, pennant

Dennis,I've seen all of these words used to specify the cable or rope that raises or lowers the centerboard, dagger-board or swing-keel. The first two are pronounced the same and generally are used to describe something that hangs or the hanging attachment. The last one is not only a long, skinny flag but can also be a rope or cable. I've seen some authors use the different terms interchangeably within the same article. This article uses pennant exclusively.http://www.sailnet.net/collections/articles/index.cfm?articleid=woodto0125While this article refers to mooring pendants.http://www.sailnet.net/collections/articles/index.cfm?articleid=caseyd001I must defer to a higher authority.Happy (fusion powered) sails *_/),MArk

 

[Bruce]

keel flop

I came across the following site with some interesting improvements in terms of keel stability. I am hoping to install a pivot bolt bushing and some spacers in similar fashion. Gotta believe it will improve performance as well.