Please Help, swing keel problem

[Scott21172]

Hello, long time no see, I moved. Sailing on inland lakes I didnt notice any problem but now that I sail on the coast a problem with the swing keel hasdeveloped. There is play in it and it clunks as we sail. I figured out there is a bracket that can be unbolted from the top and it drops the swing keel bracket out of the keel compartment. Is it a matter of tightning the pin bolts or will it need parts replaced. Also, can this be done on the trailer or will a haul out be in order? I thank all of you for any help with this matterand Good Sailing to All Scott

 

[daver]

Same problem fixed

Tighting the bolt will do nothing you need to fis the keel bracket I posted the following in another thread. I had that problem and the keel would bang loudly while at anchor. When I had the bottom painted I added shims to the keel housing. I documented it here;http://www.sailboatowners.com/upload/display.tpl?folder=73129257051&fno=17The main problem is pin for the keel gets play in it as the keel housing only has shims on the bottom. After adding my upper shims the banging stopped and has not come back in two years. I swing of the keel feels better when raising and lowering also. I also replaced the pin and shim in the keel that holds the keel into the bracket.

 

[Scott21172]

Thanks Daver

Daver,Thank you for the details, excelent description and pictures.You mentioned painting at the same time, can the procedure to get the keel bracket out be done on the trailer if I removed the keel running boards? or is this a haulout and put on jacks procedure?Again, "thanks" Scott Mathey

 

[daver]

Never on the trailer

I would never remove it on the trailer. I was told that is to dangerous and you could get hurt. Put you boat up on stands so the keel can be fully extended.DaveSimply Magic