I just bought a 1982 Catalina 25 with swing keel. I have been told that the hardware for lowering & raising the keel should be replaced annualy. Anyone know exactly what parts I should replace? ie:cable, keel eye bolt, clevis pin, etc.
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Replace?? Annually???
I think you either didn't hear correctly, or someone is trying to sell you swing keel parts!
You should INSPECT your swing keel annually, and make sure everything is OK. If you do , in fact, need to replace the pin or cable, then you might as well replace everything while you have the keel down. I know people with 15 year old boats who have NEVER replaced the swing keel parts.
I think you either didn't hear correctly, or someone is trying to sell you swing keel parts!
You should INSPECT your swing keel annually, and make sure everything is OK. If you do , in fact, need to replace the pin or cable, then you might as well replace everything while you have the keel down. I know people with 15 year old boats who have NEVER replaced the swing keel parts.Inspection, replace only if necessary
You should not have to replace the hardware every year, or even every few years, as David explained. Sometimes owner's manuals give extra caution regarding swing keels. These words of caution are more protection for the manufacturer, than necessity for the owner. I would check things every year, and drop the keel to expose/inspect the keel pivot pin/busings every other year. This is also a good time to replace the bolts that hold the pivot bushings in place, as they can sieze up if left alone for 10+ years. Regards, Ted
You should not have to replace the hardware every year, or even every few years, as David explained. Sometimes owner's manuals give extra caution regarding swing keels. These words of caution are more protection for the manufacturer, than necessity for the owner. I would check things every year, and drop the keel to expose/inspect the keel pivot pin/busings every other year. This is also a good time to replace the bolts that hold the pivot bushings in place, as they can sieze up if left alone for 10+ years. Regards, Ted
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