MACGREGOR 26X SWING KEEL

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PAUL KALLMEYER

WHEN I BOUGHT MY SECOND HAND 26X, IT WAS THREE YEARS OLD. THE ORIGINAL OWNER HAD PASSED AWAY. I HAULED THE BOAT HOME AND SET ABOUT SETTING IT UP FOR LAUNCHING. THE CENTERBOARD WAS STUCK UP SO I GOT THE BOAT OVER A RAMP SIDE WALL AND CHISELED OUT THE GROWTH OF MARINE LIFE WITH A LONG SCREWDRIVER, THE ALL PURPOSE TOOL. THE BOARD CAME DOWN WHEN I LAUNCHED AGAIN. AT THE END OF THE SEASON I HAULED AND DROPPED THE BOARD, UNBOLTED THE PIVOT RIG IN THE CABIN AND REMOVED THE BOARD, TAKING OUT THE PIVOT PIN. WAS I GLAD I DID! THE PIN WAS LIKE SWISS CHEESE WITH SOME CHROME PLATING. EVIDENTLY CORROSION EITHER ELECTROLYTIC, GALVANIC OR RUST IN SALT WATER HAD EATEN THE PIN RIGHT UP! I REPLACED IT WITH A STAINLESS BOLT AND NUT. I HOPE THIS FARES BETTER. MORAL IS CHECK THAT PIN EVERY YEAR ESPECIALLY IF YOU PUT A BATTERY CHARGER ON YOUR BATTERIES IN THE BOAT. BEST TO DISCONNECT BOTH TERMINALS OF THE BATTERY AND EVEN TAKE IT ASHORE TO CHARGE. HAS ANYONE HAD THE SAME EXPERIENCE? I HAVE THE PIN IF ANYONE WANTS TO SEE IT. I CAN EMAIL A PICTURE OF IT. PAUL
 
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Steve Paul

Sacrificial zinc

Hey Paul, Electrolysis and galvanic action are the same chemical process. Sounds like you need a sacrificial zinc anode on your hull somewhere. Since you're in salt water your keel bolt is always going to be assaulted by this galvanic action. I have a 26S in fresh water and not sure where you should mount an anode. In my opinion you would want to tie the keel bolt and engine together and place the zinc anode on the skeg of the outboard. I know they make these in many shapes and sizes. Talk with someone at a marina near you for better help of a local nature. Good luck Steve
 
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Ray Jones

Pivot Pin Panic!

Am newborn to Sailing & Mac Family. Imagine our excitement upon launching our 97 26X only to find the centerboard would not drop 12 miles out in Gulf! Trailered it back home got underneath and board loosesed up. Next outting I discovered that centerboard would drop if I put outboard in reverse. Bought boat for relaxation and fun, not to work upon it all the time. Is that Pin hard to access? kPerhaps I should look at mine before I head to Bahamas!
 
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Steve Paul

Growth on the keel

Ray, I suspect you have marine growth (crap) built up around your keel and the keel box. While on the trailer perhaps you can clean it out. I suspect it will be esiest when it's dried out for short bit. You could power wash some or most of it out. If it were possible to position the boat over a pit so to speak, and lower the keel that would be easiest. Easy for me to say. Steve
 
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