Help me understand the Keel Locking Bolt. Mine seems stuck...

[Carl Wonderful]

Cant seem to understand the full functionality of this and also how it is threaded (opposite?). I'm all mixed up.

Also does anyone have some good images of this bolt in action? OR some images of showing which way to turn it and what the specific direction does when turned.

Also I'm currently lifting my recently purchased 1971, c22 off the trailer and will be lowering the keel out (with proper keel cradle and all the boat supports and stands) to inspect it. Does it matter how the keel lock is set or does that not even come into play when simply lowering the whole keel down from the boat?


1. So it is designed solely to lock the keel when it is fully extended out, (down in the water)?

2. When the keel is in the (horizontal) (closed) position, as when on the trailer, this keel locking bolt is not even touching the keel, correct?

3. Mine seems stuck. When I reach inside the body of the cabin it will not budge. IT does not look rusty, but is stuck. Should I just get some leverage and break it open?

4. If I do try to break it open...Is it opposite...meaning I would (righty loosey) with my wrench to loosen it?

5. Lastly, what does tighten AND loosen mean with this bolt. I just don't understand what its doin...so does tightening it (right loosey) when the keel is "vertical", push on the keel and "lock" it to stay open by friction?

Thanks for helping me clear it up.

 

[Richard19068]

In the early 70's I had hull #446. At some point, because of a period of disuse, that bolt became severely stuck. I just kept spraying on penetrating oil and slowly working the bolt a very little bit at a time until I got it going and cleaned up. After that it was never a problem because i kept it very well lubed. Be patient. I wouldn't force it.

It has been many years but as I recall it was regular righty tighty lefty loosey. I'm sure someone with more recent experience will chime in on that,

Maybe start here with understanding its use:

Keel Locking Bolt

Catalina Direct, publishers of the Catalina 22 and Catalina 25 Owner's Handbooks and the largest supplier of parts and Lewmar winches for Catalina Yachts in the country

www.catalinadirect.com

 

[danooxnard]

I have a 74 C-22. Lefty loosy righty tighty no magic. Richard has the right idea lube and patience

 

[Gene Neill]

Your understanding of the bolt's use is correct. Righty tighty like everything else. Don't force it.

It is a matter of some debate if the bolt is effective or even advisable to use. Mine has been removed and plugged.

 

[RKenSailor]

I have delamination where it looks like it was locked when the previous owner hit ground or cranked it up too many times. I want to keep it, but will need to figure out how to cut and replace the delimitated glass.

Mine is also stuck, but I'm worried the lubricant dripping on the fiberglass may be a problem for adhering the new glass/epoxy. Any thoughts?