been there
You have several options: 1. If the boat is on a trailer, use a jack to lift the keel(and SAFELY BLOCK IT!) so you can untangle the cable on the winch. This would work if you have enough room above the keel to lift it slightly into the keel slot. 2. If the boat is in the water, head for shallow water. When the keel touches bottom it should lift enough (depending on water depth)to give the keel cable slack on the winch. 3. Another method when the boat is in the water is to walk a line back from the bow. Each end of the line is brought back to the port and starboard winches. Secure one end to the port winch and crank the other end with the starboard winch (note: use a chafe guard on the rub rail! also note this procedure is reversed for lefties or those cruising below the equator ;>) With great effort, this method will work, although it helps if you dive in the water to help position the line on the keel to get the best mechanical advantage. That keel is 500+ pounds! I have tried all three at one time or another. The 3rd option is very hard to accomplish but it definitely works. Hope this helps.
