Keel Lock Down Bolt

[G. Grillp]

I just purchased a 73 Catalina 22 and can't seem to find the lock down bolt for the keel. I have looked under the forward seat for the table and find nothing. Looks as if the fiberglass has been siliconed over. Was the bolt removed? Do I really need one if this is the case? Any ideas why or am I just looking in the wrong spot? Thanks.

 

[Dave LaPere]

Yes !

Hi There,Yes it is best to have a keel lock down bolt. You can purchase it from Catalina Direct they are on the net and the bolt is relatively inexpensive. If it's $8.00it's worth it, because without it you will find your Catalina a very moody disposition. Meaning that the keel will swing free and when heeled over to any extreme you might find it slamming back into the keel trunk with enough force as to damage it and the trunk. Causing a leak.Also as you pick up speed without the lock down bolt the keel will rise back toward the recess in the hull and if you should get a good gust of wind which I know can happen in that part of Lake Michigan you might find yourself with the rail buried in the water as you are losing stability, without it fully extended below your boat.Hope this answers your quetion.Dave LaPere

 

[Larry Watkins]

Lockdown bolt

G; The keel bolt on my 22 was under the forward cabin seat, way up in the upper forward corner. Use a mirror and a flashlight. If it's been covered, I'd strongly recommend you install a new one.Larry W.

 

[Rich]

Lock Down Bolt

I have a '72 Catalina that has no lock down bolt. I am not sure what year they started putting the things on. If you check in past articles, they are a major cause of problems. It seems they were instituted in order to prevent the keel from falling back into the hull in case of a knockdown. Don't get knocked down and you should be OK.

 

[Scott Markl]

Removed!

G. There seems to be a 50/50 split in the C22 troops on the bolt. Depends on where you plan to sail. Some folks remove them and glass the hole over. This may be the case with your boat. Take a look at www.catalina22.org and read the tech tip on subject bolt. Good luck and Happy Sailing!