I have a 19 foot trailer sailor (1986 O'Day 192). I want to put a new line and possible pendant on the swing keel and also inspect the bearing and shims. I would prefer to do it on land (I do not have scuba equipment). When the boat is on the trailer, the balasted keel that holds the swing keel rests on a 2X10. I assume that I will need to jack up the boat and pull the trailer out from under it in order to let the swing keel swing down. Has anyone done this or a similar procedure? The owner's brochure says that the boat has a displacement of less than 1500 lbs. This should be quite a simple procedure. However, I can forsee horrible problems if I do not think of something that could be obvious to someone else. For instance, how do I get the boat back on the trailer? Will the winch on the trailer simply pull the trailer back under the boat? How strong does the bracing under the boat have to be? Will carpenter saw horses fail under this weight? What would be good ways to Jack up the boat with out spending hundreds of dollars on fancy systems? What else have I not thought of?
How do I swing the swing keel down when on trailer
- Thread starter J P Turkey
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Took it to someone with a lift
Hello John, While I have seen postings from people who used various techniques to lift and support the boat off the trailer to drop the board, I concluded after messing around for an afternoon that these were not feasible for me. The 222 which at 2200 lbs is a little heavier than the 192 would need some type of a lift system that I just don't have access to. I know it is possible to build supports and create some type of lift system (I have seen pictures of a 222 suspended using an automobile engine lift) to get the boat off of the trailer. However, for about $75, my local marine shop put the boat on his lift, installed the new pendant, checked the pivot pin on the centerboard, and then put it back on the trailer, without damage to the boat or me. If you have the time, equipment and inclination to build something, I'm sure it can be done safely. However, it was not in the cards for me. I place too much value on my time and safety. Good luck! Dave s/v Hakuna Matatta O'Day 222
Hello John, While I have seen postings from people who used various techniques to lift and support the boat off the trailer to drop the board, I concluded after messing around for an afternoon that these were not feasible for me. The 222 which at 2200 lbs is a little heavier than the 192 would need some type of a lift system that I just don't have access to. I know it is possible to build supports and create some type of lift system (I have seen pictures of a 222 suspended using an automobile engine lift) to get the boat off of the trailer. However, for about $75, my local marine shop put the boat on his lift, installed the new pendant, checked the pivot pin on the centerboard, and then put it back on the trailer, without damage to the boat or me. If you have the time, equipment and inclination to build something, I'm sure it can be done safely. However, it was not in the cards for me. I place too much value on my time and safety. Good luck! Dave s/v Hakuna Matatta O'Day 222
careen it
I did this with my oday. Mind you is was half the weight, but weight is relative, when the boat is on its side, and yes the trailer will roll back under it if you winch it onto its rollers accurately.
I did this with my oday. Mind you is was half the weight, but weight is relative, when the boat is on its side, and yes the trailer will roll back under it if you winch it onto its rollers accurately.
I should add
I should add that I put a series of cushions and life jackets under the gunwale to protect the finish, and also a tarp (seen in pic) to protect the bottom when I rolled it back up. Here are the steps in detail: 1. tie off a rope through the gudgeons or aft cleats to a tree/stake in the ground about 20+ feet back. 2. release winch on your trailer and start pulling (by hand) your trailer out from underneath your boat. 3. Lock the winch and tilt the trailer allowing the transom to touch the ground and again allowing the winch to freewheel, continue to pull the trailer out from underneath it. You may want to keep one hand on the winch to control the final bit. If you have centre rollers, the boat will ride down as you pull the trailer off. 4. Once on the ground, grab the main halyard and walk off to one side as far as you can pulling the top of the mast down as you go. You might want to put some padding (lifejackets work) under the gunwale. Tie the halyard/mast off when it gets to the ground. When your are finished realign the trailer and winch it back under the boat, still be tied to that tree!
I should add that I put a series of cushions and life jackets under the gunwale to protect the finish, and also a tarp (seen in pic) to protect the bottom when I rolled it back up. Here are the steps in detail: 1. tie off a rope through the gudgeons or aft cleats to a tree/stake in the ground about 20+ feet back. 2. release winch on your trailer and start pulling (by hand) your trailer out from underneath your boat. 3. Lock the winch and tilt the trailer allowing the transom to touch the ground and again allowing the winch to freewheel, continue to pull the trailer out from underneath it. You may want to keep one hand on the winch to control the final bit. If you have centre rollers, the boat will ride down as you pull the trailer off. 4. Once on the ground, grab the main halyard and walk off to one side as far as you can pulling the top of the mast down as you go. You might want to put some padding (lifejackets work) under the gunwale. Tie the halyard/mast off when it gets to the ground. When your are finished realign the trailer and winch it back under the boat, still be tied to that tree!
Centerboard Pennant Replacement
I am dealing with two issues: to replace the centerboard pennant, and also, to free up the centerboard, which got jammed into the "up" position this Fall, when we pulled her onto the trailer, forgetting to first pull up the board with the old, frayed pennant, which is now jammed against one side of the board in between the board and the well. So, I am taking the third response, and having our marina yard lift the boat in March, pull down the board, check on the condition of everything, and then replace the pennant, assuming all else is well.
I am dealing with two issues: to replace the centerboard pennant, and also, to free up the centerboard, which got jammed into the "up" position this Fall, when we pulled her onto the trailer, forgetting to first pull up the board with the old, frayed pennant, which is now jammed against one side of the board in between the board and the well. So, I am taking the third response, and having our marina yard lift the boat in March, pull down the board, check on the condition of everything, and then replace the pennant, assuming all else is well.
Centerboard
Lifting the boat off the trailer can be accomplished in 1 min or less with the right equipment. Back the boat in to an auto lift like the kind your mechanic might use to work on your car, the type with the 4 arms that swing out. Swing out the arms to desired lifting points, place protection on the pads, press the button. when pads make contact with the hull and you get a little weight, just watch for the hull pushing in. I used 1x4's longtitually and raised the boat up off the trailer, and pulled it out of the way. Raise the boat as high as you like after that. I know we don't all have one of these, but the are alot more plentiful than boat yards and their forklifts, hoist and cranes all of which the meter is running while your boat is on them. Ask your service station guy if you can use the lift while his mechanic is off on Sunday. Depends on how friendly you are with them, you might get off the hook with a 30 pack.
Lifting the boat off the trailer can be accomplished in 1 min or less with the right equipment. Back the boat in to an auto lift like the kind your mechanic might use to work on your car, the type with the 4 arms that swing out. Swing out the arms to desired lifting points, place protection on the pads, press the button. when pads make contact with the hull and you get a little weight, just watch for the hull pushing in. I used 1x4's longtitually and raised the boat up off the trailer, and pulled it out of the way. Raise the boat as high as you like after that. I know we don't all have one of these, but the are alot more plentiful than boat yards and their forklifts, hoist and cranes all of which the meter is running while your boat is on them. Ask your service station guy if you can use the lift while his mechanic is off on Sunday. Depends on how friendly you are with them, you might get off the hook with a 30 pack.
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