Redrilled Swing Keel?

[Kper]

I was considering the purchase of a Catalina 22 until I asked the owner the maintenance history of the keel. He said (at some point in the 4-5 yrs he owned it) that he had removed the keel and since the pivot hole was oblong he drilled another hole a few inches away and remounted the keel.

This has me concerned as I've never heard of this being done before. It was once a salt water boat and he has not done any cable maintenance saying it's never looked like it's needed it.

Thoughts on the new keel pivot hole?

Thank you.

 

[Patrice]

Hi,
That would have changed to center of gravity of the boat.
By how much ??? I don't know, not being an expert.
I would instead have the existing, oblong hole, re-drill over sized, and get a mchine shop to machine a bushing to press fit in the hole. So you now have the proper hole and size.

 

[Kper]

I might risk taking a look and attempting a fix but it's 10 hours from me and I'm just not up to that kind of drive for something that has a big red flag on it.

Thanks for the reply!