Check your swing keel components!!!!

[Captnkev25]

Got a surprise call @ 4:30 today that I was in the sling and could I come down and do my keel cable, tube, and ball. I had purchased this boat last August so I had decide to replace all the keel components for some piece of mind. AM I GLAD I DID. They lifted me up and I replaced the cable then went down below to do the rest. The volcano tube literally came apart and crumbled in my hands as I was trying to pull it off. The turning ball was completely seized and had quite the large groove worn into it. All in all the job took about an hour and a half all by myself and the kit was about $130.00 w/shipping from Catalina Direct. I hate thinking what could have happened if the tube let go or if the cable wore through due to the ball not turning. I want to thank all the people on this awesome site and also over on http://catalina-capri-25s.org forum as well. You all advised me on how to do it and knowing exactly what to expect made the job much easier. Big shout out to everyone that gave me advice and a warning to all swinger owners out there that haven't already, maybe you should check your hardware and make sure it's in working order

 

[philwsailz]

Congrats!

See, this so very important maintenance is QUITE easy.

Thanks for the update Captnkev!

 

[Captnkev25]

Thanks Phil. It helped a lot that the yard cooperated with me as well. The night before the put me in, they put me in the sling at the end of the day and left me hanging enough so the keel could be lowered onto some plywood scraps to give me access to what I needed to get to. They even ran over and scraped and painted the trailing edge of the keel and the V groove that they couldn't get to with the keel all the way up. I feel much better knowing that the winch and all the other components are brand new.

 

[Ray Bowles]

I am really enjoying your sucess as well. It gives a person a good feeling to know that someone that asked a question on this site actually used it and avoided a major mishap in the future. Good job Captn. I'd sail with you anytime.
Ray

 

[Captnkev25]

Thank you Ray. This forum has been an invaluable tool for any and all problems I have encountered thus far along the way. I can't even count the hours I've logged on here all winter long. It has helped me in every project so far. From doing my teak to tuning my rig. It's amazing the difference a little confidence in knowing the correct way to do something gives you. Your welcome aboard any day

 

[jrowan]

Many swing keel owners don't realize that if the original cheap fiberglass tube that holds the swing keel cable breaks off or leaks due to corrosion, that it will sink their boat. A few dollars of maintenance can save a world of headaches.....