Keel Cable Replacement

[Chuck K.]

Hi List,Well, it finally happened! While sailing this afternoon on a low tide, bumping bottom several times, and after cranking the keel up and down several times, my keel cable snapped. I'm now kicking myself for not replacing the cable while the boat was hauled after I purchased it this spring. I plan (hope?) to replace it while in the water by diving beneath the boat to remove the old cable at the keel, attaching the new one at the keel, and threading it up through the thru-hull and hose to an assistant inside the boat for attachment to the winch. Has anyone tried this method? If so, can you give me any tips, or things to watch out for? I plan to take it to a quiet, deeper bay to do the work. Is this all wishful thinking on my part? Is it worth the cost of a short haul to avoid this aggravation? Any comments or suggestions will be appreciated. Thanks.Chuck K.Doo Dad (12418)Merrick, NY

 

[john renfro]

keel

hello chuck, it sounds like your idea will work. the only thing to watch is that the cable is inserted in the groove on the aft side of the turning ball and as the cable hose is attached to a hole in the hull about one foot below the water line, do not remove it to check that it is installed correctly or of course you will sink.good luckjohn

 

[CHARLIE]

Hose rot

When I bought my '86 last fall, the only real problem (i thought) was that the keel cable hose was badly dry rotted. I thought replacing the hose would be easy, well i found problems with the keel (another story) I purchased all new parts from Catalina Direct and as I was removing the old hose, the brass pipe it was attached to came right out of the hull. The bond between pipe and hull had completely let go! Lucky it didn't happen on the water! I cleaned it all up and apoxied it back in, lining up the pin for the turning ball. Just another thing to watch for.

 

[Brad Alston]

Underwater Cable Replacement

Chuck,I did exactly what you are describing using a SCUBA tank, mask and fins. John is right in cautioning you about the cable being behind or in front of the turning ball. Here are a couple more cautions/suggestions.1.) Underwater visibility needs to be fair...you can feel your way around but it will take longer.2.) Get the keel end of the cable secured before threading the cable up through the hole (see caution #3).3.) Do not drop the stainless cable...it does not float! Have someone topside holding, very securely, the other end of the cable...DO NOT LET GO!4.) Dive in warmer water or use a wet suit...if needed. You would be surprised how cool water gets 5 feet down under your boat.5.) If you get the cable in front of the turning ball...dive and try again...metal cables make great saws when hauled under force (the weight of the keel).6.) Give your assistant a flashlight to look down the hose at the ball...but caution them on the hazards of a cable end poking them in the eye!7.) Visualize the process before going under...and brief your assistant.My underwater repair went well...as I'm sure yours will to.Brad.s/v Worthless Crew