Lowering the kell on a 22

[Cam Kelly]

I have just launched my '82 Catalina 22 for the first time today. I have it sitting at the dock and I was going to lower the keel. The winch doesn't seem to have any kind of unlocking mechanism to use when lowering the keel. I didn't want to just crank it the other way without checking to see what to do. Any help would be appreciated.

 

[John renfro]

cank

hello cam, actually,as long as the winch clutch is not frozen to the frame, all you do is crank it down and crank it up. It is a specially made winch, it will stop in any position you crank it to. John

 

[Michael S.]

Keel Cranking

Just one more thing--after you crank down the keel to where you want it, it is a good idea to crank "up" just a bit until you hear a "click". That is especially important if you don't let the keel all the way down for reasons related to tuning, point of sail, etc. That makes sure the winch doesn't let the keel go farther down when you don't want it to.

 

[Cameron Kelly]

Keel Winch

Thanks for the advise. I got it down this morning and had a great sail.

 

[Ken]

clutch slipping

I have a 1979 Catalina 22 - suddenly this summer the clutch seemed to let go - now its freewheeling if I let the crank go - I have to keep it tied down with a line - any idea why the clutch would suddenly let go - thanks

 

[John renfro]

winch

hello ken, pull the cover off the companionway and check it out. You may see what has gone south.john