Keel lock bolt location?

[pulsewave]

I have a copy of the older manual and it doesn't seem to match the configuration of my Macgregor Venture 222. (see picture - front of boat is to the left) I assume the bottom left bolt is the pivot bolt (no back access)? Is the middle-left bolt the lock bolt? If so there is no access from the back side of the trunk (and thus no visible nut). Do I simply unscrew this middle bolt to prepare to lock the keel? The top middle bolt has access in the back and also holds the cabin divider wall bracket. Does this top bolt hold anything regarding the keel (like the rubber bumper?)?
Thanks much from a new user.

 

[justsomeguy]

On my Mac 25, the top bolt (square) is attached to a stiffening "L" bracket, holding the keel trunk to the forward bulkhead (or vice-versa).
The next one down (ovoid) is the keel lock bolt. There should be access to both sides.
At the bottom (pentagonal) is your keel pivot bolt.

 

[pulsewave]

Great info, thanks. Looks like I'll want to drill out the other side to get access to the lock bolt's nut? Any ideas on the best way to drill/cut out an access point for it? The trunk housing looks original (no apparent covering or patching) so I'm not sure why there wouldn't already be access to the back side (of the lock bolt)... That small hole on the upper right, it has a large screw in it. Not too sure what that holds.

 

[justsomeguy]

Great info, thanks. Looks like I'll want to drill out the other side to get access to the lock bolt's nut? Any ideas on the best way to drill/cut out an access point for it? The trunk housing looks original (no apparent covering or patching) so I'm not sure why there wouldn't already be access to the back side (of the lock bolt)...

Not sure why, myself. Perhaps a previous owner got creative, and used a lock "screw" instead of a proper bolt. You should be able to drill it through while on the trailer.

That small hole on the upper right, it has a large screw in it. Not too sure what that holds.

Possibly a top 'o the keel bumper keeper. Possibly. Crawl around that boat!

 

[BudGates]

Your V-222 should have access to all three bolts. The lock down bolt (circle) should be reached from the head. The pivot bolt (pentagon) should be reached from below the forward dinette settee (seat).

 

[pulsewave]

Thanks again. I see that the head of the lock bolt is angled a bit upwards and toward the back of the boat, so I assume that the bolt might be bent (and perhaps the keel was not locked down very often/or ever). I'll see how easy it is to remove once I create access to the back side of the lock bolt. Feel free to pass along any tips on possible problems of removing and/or replacing the bolt.

 

[pulsewave]

Yes, of course. After taking a look inside the forward dinette seat, I realize now that I can actually see the lock down bolt from there, and thus have access to holding the lock bolt nut down. The lock bolt nut is a bit rusty but looks workable. Picture (inside the trunk) is taken looking upward towards the front of the boat. (keel pivot in near foreground and lock bolt just behind that)