C25 swing keel cable, fresh water use

[wes]

I have a C25 swing keel that I keep in a fresh water lake six months of the year, is it necessary to crank the keel up after a sail or can it stay lowered in fresh water storage?

 

[Dan]

Fouling

I keep my C22 in the lake pretty much year-round. I always crank mine up at the end of a sail for two reasons: Keeps the algae slime at bay, and relieves tension on the cable. It's 32 years old.

 

[Don]

C25 Swing Keel

Wes,Have you asked this question on the Sailor's Forum at the C25/250 National Association? The C25/250 National Association website has a wealth of information, as well as a very knowledgeable and active membership. You don't need to be a member to ask questions or to look around the website so check it out.Click on the related link below to take you to a recent discussion about leaving the swing keel up at the slip.Don

 

[Brian]

Down bad, Up good

In either Fresh or Salt water the keel is leveraged every time a wake or wave strikes a floating boat. The slapping action will speed the wear or your pin, keel, and lock down bolt.

 

[Gary Bruner]

Down works for me

I keep my C25 swing in a freshwater marina that is protected from much wash that might wear the pin and pivot, so I always keep my keel down, in the rare event of a cable failure. I only bring mine up to trailer, or if I find "thin water". Mine is a 78 model I have owned since 1983. Keel is NOT wobbly at all. Replace the cable every 5 years or so in fresh; that's often enough....Gary BEncore! #685