Last year I installed the Keel spacers from Catalina Direct. I remember a couple of times while swimming that the keel did not appear all the way down, however when checking the keel cable it was slack. The thing I did notice last summer was I had lee helm instead of weather helm. ( if I let go of the tiller the boat would head down wind instead of into the wind ). This winter when I removed he keel to refurbish it and replaced the keel hangar I could see the marks where the keel spacers rubbed against the keel trunk. Though I installed the spacers as per the insructions - they made the keel to thick and it bound in the trunk befor the keel was fully down. I did not re-install the spacers and boy what a difference in sailing! I will install a spacer next winter but only on the starbord side of the keel - then when I tighten the keel lock bolt it will keep things in place. Any one else noticed this problem? Lee helm is no fun in a blow. thanks, Bob
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spacers
I had them installed on my boat this spring. I decided that it would be best for the boat to be hoisted off the trailer and then install the spacers. Then I had the guy doing the work lower the keel all the way while the boat was on the hoist to check the fit. We found that it took a couple of shims on each side. Now when I sail I have not heard the keel clunk once and I am confidant that everthing is fitting correctly.
I had them installed on my boat this spring. I decided that it would be best for the boat to be hoisted off the trailer and then install the spacers. Then I had the guy doing the work lower the keel all the way while the boat was on the hoist to check the fit. We found that it took a couple of shims on each side. Now when I sail I have not heard the keel clunk once and I am confidant that everthing is fitting correctly.
keel spacer spacers
I got both keel spacer kits and accidentally ground the hangers too narrow, so I have about 1/8 to 1/4 inch of slop. I hear the keel clunk slightly. anyone had a similar problem? When I got the boat it had a fibgerglass washer on one side of the keel pivot..maybe I should make another one?
I got both keel spacer kits and accidentally ground the hangers too narrow, so I have about 1/8 to 1/4 inch of slop. I hear the keel clunk slightly. anyone had a similar problem? When I got the boat it had a fibgerglass washer on one side of the keel pivot..maybe I should make another one?
Klunking
I cut the bottom out of a couple of children's sand pails. Cut a hole in the pail bottoms big enough for the pivot pin. Slid the "Pail Washers" over the pivot pin, two on each side. Way easier and has been working like a champ! Did it while the boat was on the trailer too. I Used a floor jack and lowered the keel just enough to remove the hangers and pin. Been working like a champ for three years now. Did this after the installation a spacer kit and a new pivot pin didn't do much to stop the clunking. Roger #2226
I cut the bottom out of a couple of children's sand pails. Cut a hole in the pail bottoms big enough for the pivot pin. Slid the "Pail Washers" over the pivot pin, two on each side. Way easier and has been working like a champ! Did it while the boat was on the trailer too. I Used a floor jack and lowered the keel just enough to remove the hangers and pin. Been working like a champ for three years now. Did this after the installation a spacer kit and a new pivot pin didn't do much to stop the clunking. Roger #2226
Yes, after putting spacers on my boat, the keel is a bit snug up in the trunk. It takes a minute or two before it'll go all the way down. If you have that problem, just lightly grind the pads down a little. I would go a little at a time until you get it right. Too far and the klunk comes back.
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