Keel Shims and bimini measurements

[Rick Rose]

I have a couple of projects lined up for my 1976, swing-keel C22 this season that would benefit from some expert, or at least experienced, input.First, I'm going to be doing some work on the swing keel. I don't have the time or resources to do the whole deal--sandblast; bore out and press sleave insert; epoxy; fair; add new hangers machined to closer tolerances; etc. I'm going to stick to safety issues for the time being: replace the pin and the hanger bolts. Sand. Paint. Launch.I had an idea, however, for reducing the sloppiness between the keel and the trunk. Rather than buy the new bronze castings from Catalina Direct, which will have to wait until I do the whole restoration process, I thought I'd install some sort of shims on each side of the keel. I'm thinking basically of a couple of big, fabricated washers. As far as materials, I'm undecided. My question is, has anyone out there tried doing such a thing? I've searched the archives to no avail. Any comments would be appreciated.Second, I hope to install a bimini. I have been given a great big bimini that I thought I might cut down, or else I might offer it in trade to a local shop for one that is C22-sized. Does anyone have dimensions handy for the purpose-built C22 bimini top? Again, comments would be welcome.Best,Rick Rose

 

[Charlie on "kestrel"]

Keel washers.

I am now in the process of doing just that. I did the complete retrofit 3 years ago. My problem is that I hang on a mooring in fairly shallow water, sometimes less than 4 ft, so I raise my keel all the time. This removes the anti clunk pade from the trunk and allows some wobble. The bushing I had installed before is begining to bellmouth slightly and I had the same Idea of adding washers between the keel and the hangers. I had some of various sizes (.020, .030 and .050) made of teflon. I am about to instal them to take up the gap on the hangers. I don't see how it can hurt.Charlie

 

[Ed Mollencupp]

Shims

I have just finished that repair I used heavy plastic washers and the centering kit from catalina direct. After the repair it seemed to tighten up the pin and trunk area.Good luck

 

[Ray Hodges]

Bimini

Rick, What dimensions are you needing exactly on the bimini? I also have a '76 swing keel (hull #5022) and purchased my bimini from Catalina Direct. It was well worth it. E-mail me (pairodoks@aol.com) if they can't give you specific measurements and I'll go unfurl mine! Good luck.........Ray