Learning about my Kells 23 - Swing Keel Bearing Blocks?

[Munsterfield]

Hi all! I just purchased a Kells 23 with a swing keel and will be spending the next few months making some minor repairs, painting, and also fixing the trailer to pass inspection.
While planning out my work, I was wondering what it would take to drop the keel and went on a hunt for the bearing blocks that hold the pin. It would appear that the pin is actually fiber glassed in place.
I'm wondering if this was by design or if this was a repair that was done at some point.
Here are some pictures - the first one was behind an access hatch, the other could be found under the bench closest to the head.
Hopefully someone with a Kells 23 can let me know what they have in theirs!
Thanks everyone!

 

[jssailem]

In the past few years of being on the Forum, yours is the first Kells 23 I have seen.

In the 70’s and 80’s (the vintage of your boat I understand) there were hundreds of small trailer sized boats built and marketed as “Pocket Yachts” to a hungry public. Kells was identified as a former Bristol Yachts employee that left to seek fame and fortune as a yacht builder.

Did the original design use fiberglass to rest the keel pin on… Possibly. It would have been an inexpensive way to build the boat. Not necessarily the best design. At this stage, looking at the condition, you are in the “What is the best for me?” owner redesign build on a project boat. Kind of welcome to the deep end of the pool. Bearing blocks would likely be a big upgrade for the boat. It should make it easier to raise or lower the center board (sometimes called a swing keel).

 

[Munsterfield]

Thanks for the reply John!
Yes it was manufactured in 1976, and for all intents and purposes it's in great shape.
For the pin and bearing block, I'm mostly curious to know if I'm looking at the original design or if this is a repair job. Ideally I would like to inspect the pin and also drop the keel, simply so I clear those niggling questions in the back of my head as I'm sailing.
I did see several people post about the Kells 23 on this forum, that's why I took a chance and posted here. I hope to hear someone with specific knowledge on the build and other stuff related to it.

 

[jssailem]

If you need to bounce off your ideas on the repair, either mention me on a thread or send me a Private Message (PM).

Good luck.

 

[Munsterfield]

I appreciate the offer John! I will most certainly be posting questions and findings along the way!