Irwin 27 (1970 model) keel

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May 22, 2013
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Irwin 27 Decatur
After extensive searching, I am back to asking the experts (you guys) about the drop keel on my 1970 Irwin.

1. How can I tell if the keel is up or down?
- A cable winch is installed (it looks like the factory one), and can be operated from the cockpit.
- The cable appears to have been repaired, as there is a splice in it, and the splice will not allow the winch to wind up any more cable.
- If I release the winch, the cable goes slack, but not enough to give me the impression that the keel drops.
- Based on where the cable is spliced, indications are that the keel is in the up position, and simply releasing the winch will not make it go to the down position.

Is there a locking mechanism that keeps it in the up position?
How about one that keeps it in the down position?
If there is no locking mechanism, how does the keel stay in the down position when the boat is moving forward?

Thanks!
 
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