Cat 25 swing keel - needs repair?

[Hal Baker]

I have just purchased a 1984 Catalina 25 and after reading several articles on the swing keel I am concerned about play at the pin assembly. I can easily swing the keel 3 to 4 inches at the front when on the trailer. Does this indicate a worn pin or keel? Is there need for concern?

 

[Dan H]

Cat 25 Swing Keel

I cannot move the front of my keel at all. I can move the back of the keel maybe 2". If you go to the Catalina C25/250 National association Forum, there is tons of information with regards to the swing keel. Do a search of the archives and you'll find a lot of info. Also post your question there as well and you'll get lots of answers from that site as well.Congrats on you new boat!Dan

 

[TedsSailingPage]

Keel/pin is worn out

In answer to your questions . . .Yes, the keel/pin is worn.Yes, you should be concerned.Looks like a winter maintenance project in the making.

 

[Spen]

pins might not be worn!

Before I bought my cat 30 I owned a Cat 25 swing keel with the same annoying “clunk” play in the keel pin. When I removed the keel I found that the pin was ok and the play was because the hole in the keel was worn. I fixed this by enlarging the hole in the keel and glassing in a brass bushing that I had machined. Worked great and no more “clunk”