Oakum ?

[Andrewjh26]

I recently developed a leak where my keel cable comes into the boat I opened it up to see if there was any worn out parts in there but there wasn’t just an empty cylinder that the cable ran through it was capped on both ends with a small whole the size of the cable that it ran through and a little bit of oakum left in the cylinder the cable was damage is it possible that all I need to do is replace the oakum in the cylinder and get a new cable to prevent this from happening again to stop the leak ? the boat is a 1974 clipper marine

 

[rgranger]

A picture would help a lot.

 

[justsomeguy]

A picture would help a lot.

https://forums.sailboatowners.com/index.php?threads/leaking-from-the-keel-cable.193176/

 

[Andrewjh26]

 

[rgranger]

So I'm guessing you are getting splashings up through the hole while underway. I used to have that problem on a MacGregor 22 I sailed. I jammed a piece of sponge in the hole and that took care of it.

 

[rgranger]

also, I notice you have broken strands in your keel winch cable. You should probably replace that cable before it breaks and/or eats chunks of meat out of your hand. Metal slivers are the worst.

 

[Andrewjh26]

Thanks for all the help, do you have any idea where I can order a new cable ?

 

[rgranger]

Go to a tractor supply store or farm & fleet store (or maybe Lowes and/or Home Depot) and get some of the stainless steel cable. The bails are also available. (Get SS). I know my local tractor supply store has what I need and all SS. You will also need a wire nut (SS).