My main keel lead is starting to fray where it ties onto the next lead just before the knot. I have looked over the manual and would like to know can this be done with the boat in the water, has any one replaced this before....thanks....jim
- Status
Remove the keel...
If you need to replace the line that attaches to the keel, then the keel has to come off. Study the diagram in the owners manual that shows a cross section of the keel mounting hardware. Under the settee table, remove the access plate from around the compression post. Just forward of the post you will see a bolt. This is the one bolt holding the keel to the boat! The keel is heavy and should be handled by two or three people. The boat must be on a travel lift over solid ground, in order to remove and replace the keel. Once the keel is removed, you can replace the line. Before removing the old line, tie a messenger to the deck end that can be used to pull the new line back through. You may want to call or email Hunter for additional advice. If you have a Hunter Service facility nearby, you might have them do it for you. The travel lift is going to be the biggest cost. Also, while in the lift, replace the ballast tank gasket while you have easy access. Fair winds, Tom
If you need to replace the line that attaches to the keel, then the keel has to come off. Study the diagram in the owners manual that shows a cross section of the keel mounting hardware. Under the settee table, remove the access plate from around the compression post. Just forward of the post you will see a bolt. This is the one bolt holding the keel to the boat! The keel is heavy and should be handled by two or three people. The boat must be on a travel lift over solid ground, in order to remove and replace the keel. Once the keel is removed, you can replace the line. Before removing the old line, tie a messenger to the deck end that can be used to pull the new line back through. You may want to call or email Hunter for additional advice. If you have a Hunter Service facility nearby, you might have them do it for you. The travel lift is going to be the biggest cost. Also, while in the lift, replace the ballast tank gasket while you have easy access. Fair winds, Tom
use a trailer
I replaced the keel line on my H26 while on a trailer. I unbolted the keel from under the table and then used a farm tractor and a sling to lift the bow just enough (about 2 1/2 -3 ft)to slide the keel out forward. I placed blocks under the rear of the trailer to keep it from rocking backward. Work as though you know it could fall at any time and you will be safe. That means NEVER PLACE ANY PART OF YOUR BODY IN A POTENTIAL PINCH POINT! I have done lots of work on heavy equipment so this really wasn't that intimidating. I would also suggest that you inspect the yoke for any galvanic damage and repair it with TIG welding if needed. I would NOT try this with scuba gear under water. The keel is pretty heavy. You have to tie tight knots and thread the line, etc. I would suggest that you purchase the very best line you can find. It doesn't cost that much more and you don't want to do this very often. Seal everything when reassembling. After reading all the posts in the archives regarding keel line replacement I was surprised at how easy it really is. Boat lifts are rare in these parts but if you can rent one where you are the work is not that tough. good luck, John
I replaced the keel line on my H26 while on a trailer. I unbolted the keel from under the table and then used a farm tractor and a sling to lift the bow just enough (about 2 1/2 -3 ft)to slide the keel out forward. I placed blocks under the rear of the trailer to keep it from rocking backward. Work as though you know it could fall at any time and you will be safe. That means NEVER PLACE ANY PART OF YOUR BODY IN A POTENTIAL PINCH POINT! I have done lots of work on heavy equipment so this really wasn't that intimidating. I would also suggest that you inspect the yoke for any galvanic damage and repair it with TIG welding if needed. I would NOT try this with scuba gear under water. The keel is pretty heavy. You have to tie tight knots and thread the line, etc. I would suggest that you purchase the very best line you can find. It doesn't cost that much more and you don't want to do this very often. Seal everything when reassembling. After reading all the posts in the archives regarding keel line replacement I was surprised at how easy it really is. Boat lifts are rare in these parts but if you can rent one where you are the work is not that tough. good luck, John
- Status