keel lock is stuck

[lee]

74 catalinanever had boat outset up in bay for two yearskeel has been moved up and down in hauling to new berth. keel lock bolt is stuck in locked position. any harm in forceing it out, or should i try lowering keel(again)to lessenthe strain. Also, will their be any leakageat the dock if i remove the bolt?all seems well above the water line.many thankslee

 

[Dave]

Keel Lock Down Bolt

Lee: I believe the lock bolt is below the water line and should be removed on the trailer or stands. I have the same problem. Recently, I replace the keel cable, etc. I did this on my trailer as no lift is available near my slip. I could not 'lower' the keel all the way when I did the repair. I learned after the fact that the keel was not lowering all the way. It turned out to be a 'bent' keel lock down bolt. The PO must have had it screwed in when he lowered keel. Anyway, I plan to remove this fall. It effects the way the boat responds. I can move it only about two turns.

 

[Dick of Sylvan]

Light Oil

You might try to put a real light oil or oil-solvent mix on threads of bolt for a few days. Tap it gently once in a while. Then try quite a bit of pressure being sure you are turning counter clockwise (easy to confuse in upside down position). Mine on a 1975 Cat-22 was real tight so I couldn't loosen, but my 38 yr old son did with his stronger fingers. Be sure to use a marine grease on its threads next time. Mine is slightly above water when boat is sitting still. But it sure would leak when underway if the hole is not plugged! Dick