How do you check the condition of the swing keel on a Hunter 260 (water ballast) while it is on the trailer. How can you find out if it even raises or lowers correctly? I looked at a O4 Hunter 260 and with the keel all up and I could not see how you could lower it to check it out. Thanks for any help. Hope it is not too dumb a question. Thanks for any comments. Tip
Checking the swing keel
- Thread starter Tip
- Start date
- Status
Keel inspection
There are only two ways I know of doing it, one is in the water with a diving mask and the other, easier but more expensive, is to get it lifted at a boatyard. The only time I have been able to thoroughly inspect the bottom and keel of my 260 is at a boatyard with it in a sling (only costs $50 or so).
There are only two ways I know of doing it, one is in the water with a diving mask and the other, easier but more expensive, is to get it lifted at a boatyard. The only time I have been able to thoroughly inspect the bottom and keel of my 260 is at a boatyard with it in a sling (only costs $50 or so).
Dealer Lift
If you're looking to purchase a 260, I would ask the dealer to lift the boat (at no charge) so you can inspect the swing keel. If the dealer has a sling and wants to sell the boat, I would think he would do this for you if he knows you’re serious about buying. Michael
If you're looking to purchase a 260, I would ask the dealer to lift the boat (at no charge) so you can inspect the swing keel. If the dealer has a sling and wants to sell the boat, I would think he would do this for you if he knows you’re serious about buying. Michael
H260 Keel Inspection
I agree the only way to be absolutely sure about the condition of the H260 keel is to lower it. However you can examine at least 90% of it on the trailer. Get under the boat with a flashlight. However, if you are looking a a new keel it is under warranty
I agree the only way to be absolutely sure about the condition of the H260 keel is to lower it. However you can examine at least 90% of it on the trailer. Get under the boat with a flashlight. However, if you are looking a a new keel it is under warranty
Keel Inspection
Just for the record, here is a photo of my new 260 in a sling, just after it was lifted off the trailer. The keel is still up in this shot but it was easy to lower it for inspection. It is interesting to see it lowered as it looks like a long fin keel for the size of the wetted surface. One issue when lifting straight off the trailer is that both of the recommended sling points are not accessible because of the position of the trailer bunks. As a result, the rear sling had to be further back than the recommended sling point and I was concerned of it slipping off the stern. To counter this the lift operator secured the rear sling to the front sling and it lifted no problem.
Just for the record, here is a photo of my new 260 in a sling, just after it was lifted off the trailer. The keel is still up in this shot but it was easy to lower it for inspection. It is interesting to see it lowered as it looks like a long fin keel for the size of the wetted surface. One issue when lifting straight off the trailer is that both of the recommended sling points are not accessible because of the position of the trailer bunks. As a result, the rear sling had to be further back than the recommended sling point and I was concerned of it slipping off the stern. To counter this the lift operator secured the rear sling to the front sling and it lifted no problem.
H260 Swing Keel
I think this is an excellent question. I just bought a 2005 and wonder how I would repair or maintain the line and other parts of the swing keel system. Has anyone opened the cover under the table? Does that reveal anything important? The owner's manual is pretty silent on the whole affair in terms of repair.
I think this is an excellent question. I just bought a 2005 and wonder how I would repair or maintain the line and other parts of the swing keel system. Has anyone opened the cover under the table? Does that reveal anything important? The owner's manual is pretty silent on the whole affair in terms of repair.
Did it last year
I have a 96 H26. After 8 years, I thought it was a good idea to get the centerboard checked out. I towed the boat to our nearest Hunter dealer in Racine, and they dropped the board, replaced the bushings and replaced the pendant and painted the bottom. Cost about $500. Great peace of mind, and the centerboard hauls up smoother.
I have a 96 H26. After 8 years, I thought it was a good idea to get the centerboard checked out. I towed the boat to our nearest Hunter dealer in Racine, and they dropped the board, replaced the bushings and replaced the pendant and painted the bottom. Cost about $500. Great peace of mind, and the centerboard hauls up smoother.
Keel trunk plate
Inside the keel trunk tower, at the base of the complession post, is a steel plate with a receiver collar for the post. To remove this access plate you must start at the top of the compression post and remove the plate on the deck, then the compression post then the trunk access plate. Not an easy job nor one I recommend. You can easily check out this plate by taking off the fiberglass cover at the top of the tower under the table. You may also find, as I did, this is where a good deal of outside water can enter the space under the cabin sole. I used 5200 and some gasket material to seal between the compression post and the collar. Brigg
Inside the keel trunk tower, at the base of the complession post, is a steel plate with a receiver collar for the post. To remove this access plate you must start at the top of the compression post and remove the plate on the deck, then the compression post then the trunk access plate. Not an easy job nor one I recommend. You can easily check out this plate by taking off the fiberglass cover at the top of the tower under the table. You may also find, as I did, this is where a good deal of outside water can enter the space under the cabin sole. I used 5200 and some gasket material to seal between the compression post and the collar. Brigg
- Status