Bent Keel locking Bolt

[Bob]

I just bought a Macgregor 22 and noticed that I am unable to remove the keel locking bolt. It appears to be bent and the rubber washer is just hanging there. Is it safe to use the boat without it, or should I get it repaired. The previous owner said he never used the lock????

 

[Yuriy Lobzakov]

You can do that

You can sail this boat without locking a keel but only in moderate wave conditions.Unlocked keel could swing if waves are bigger than 3 feet and potentially is able to damage a kill trunk. Boat also getting a little bit unstable and noisy.I saw few more messages regarding this issue earlier on this message board.

 

[Bob]

Thanks

Thanks for the advice Yuriy. I do not plan to be sailing in rough seas. Just local and close to the shore to get some experience with the boat. I hope to get in the water by early next week.