Removing keel for inspection

[SenecaDaze]

1981 hunter 22,
bushing replacement will be one of my winter projects.
can i remove the keel in the retracted position?
looks to be only four bolts that hold the brackets ,two on each side.
will this work?or does keel need to be down all the way?
Thanks

 

[inarathree]

It can be removed in the retracted position, but it doesn't really buy you of the distance you will need to clear between the hull and trailer. I believe that to get the keel out you will need to raise the boat off the trailer about a foot.

I see that you also have found the hunter22.net site. You will want to buy one of the bushings and pins from there, as the bushing he is selling is bronze. It will be the last one you will ever need to install.

Other than that, yes, its just the four bolts that are holding the brackets on. When you replace it all, load up the bracket and outside with 5200, and bolt it all back in place.

 

[SenecaDaze]

where to buy the bushing

It can be removed in the retracted position, but it doesn't really buy you of the distance you will need to clear between the hull and trailer. I believe that to get the keel out you will need to raise the boat off the trailer about a foot.

I see that you also have found the hunter22.net site. You will want to buy one of the bushings and pins from there, as the bushing he is selling is bronze. It will be the last one you will ever need to install.

Other than that, yes, its just the four bolts that are holding the brackets on. When you replace it all, load up the bracket and outside with 5200, and bolt it all back in place.

where or who do i contact to buy the bushing,and thank you for your advice.
Randy

 

[SenecaDaze]

Re: where to buy the bushing

ok so i am rethinking this kell removal thing , can i perform a bushing replacement while keel is still partially in trunk,;looking it over and it looks like is possible ,remove bolts and drop it down far enough to access the bushing and bolt
your thoughts

 

[inarathree]

You might be able to replace the bushing while partially removed, but it does make it awkward if you have to drill or use any machinery.

On the hunter22.net site there should be some link to the website owners email. Contact him for a bushing and pin. I believe his name is Kristopher (yes with a K). If you can't find any info let me know, and I will see what I can dig out. It was over a year ago that I replaced mine.

 

[SeaTR]

Two years ago I replaced my bushing with solid nylon round stock from an outfit in New Jersey drilled to accept a 1/2" stainless steel rod that I bought from a hardware store, both cut to length to fit. This year I repeated that process for my NEW swing keel (previously repaired keel failed) from Foss Foam as all they provided was the moulded keel. A couple of hole saw cuts later...I'm back on the water sailing .. still .. even after we just picked up 1-8" of snow here in Connecticut and 3/4 of the state is without power.. Long Island Sound water temp is still 58'F. (sorry, I got a bit mistracked there)

 

[SeaTR]

OBTW---You need to clear ~32" from the ground to the bottom of the boat to drop the swing keel while on the trailer. Also, see my new keel and nylon/stainless steel rod pix attached.

 

[SenecaDaze]

ok,i hope i am not getting carried away on this keel project,can you guys tell me if you have any movement at all with your new bushings,or are your keels rock solid no movement at all when you rock it back and forth in the retracted position.

 

[SeaTR]

My new (or old) swing keel does (did) not "cling-clang" around when hauled up because I install enough SS fender washers on the 1/2" SS rod between the mounting brackets and the bushing to ensure so, but not so many that it does not freely pivot. See the attached.

 

[inarathree]

I have to admit that when I reinstalled my keel last year, I forgot to install some fender washers as SeaTR points out, and mine does slide back and forth on the SS pin. So don't forget those.

I won't get to fix it till next summer when she gets a haul out for her bi-yearly maintenance. (Yes in FL we haul out in the summer for maintenance - its too bloody hot to sail)

 

[SenecaDaze]

here is a video of what my bushing looks like.
was very easy to drop keel and remove bushing,i hope it all goes together just as easy.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IG1B0UqbLtY

 

[inarathree]

Nice video. Installing it shouldn't be a problem then.

Yeah the most common problem with the keel is the bushing gets worn down, and becomes oval like that. Then it gets sloppy side to side.

Like I mentioned earlier, I replaced mine (well actually replaced the whole keel, but thats another story), with a bronze bushing, and new SS pin, and new SS mounting brackets. When Foss Foam (OEM of the keel) made my new keel, they install a delrin (sp?) bushing. I sent them my bronze bushing, and they installed it during fabrication.

 

[SenecaDaze]

Nice video. Installing it shouldn't be a problem then.

Yeah the most common problem with the keel is the bushing gets worn down, and becomes oval like that. Then it gets sloppy side to side.

Like I mentioned earlier, I replaced mine (well actually replaced the whole keel, but thats another story), with a bronze bushing, and new SS pin, and new SS mounting brackets. When Foss Foam (OEM of the keel) made my new keel, they install a delrin (sp?) bushing. I sent them my bronze bushing, and they installed it during fabrication.

hi again,now is it bronze or brass bushing or does it not matter,on line they want about$50 for metal and far less for nylon.
and have you any idea temp range for working with the 5200 adhesive,i know it may never have been a concern where you live,but here in new york is chilly

 

[inarathree]

Sorry it was brass. 3M says " Do not apply at temperatures below 40°F (4°C) or on frost covered surfaces. Do not apply at surface temperatures above 100°F (38°C)."

But I doubt that you can squeeze it out of the tube at 40, but what do I know. I don't go outside when its that cold.

 

[SenecaDaze]

last weekend was 65 degrees , was most certainly my last chance to work the keel while on boat, borrowed my wifes hair dryer to speed up the fiberglass drytime (and later tried to tell her that crud was already on the handle:Liar all went together nicely would have been a plus to have someone inside boat ,( longer bolts make it easier to assemble) , had some fancy rubber washers in the shop not sure what i had removed them from was an old outboard if memory serves me ,anti vibration bushings im guessing.perfect size along with some rubber grommets on inside of brackets and marine sealant,would not be surprised if there were no leaks,but i can live with a little seepage.
Keel has no play whatsoever , probably could have left out the fender washers.

 

[Crazy Dave Condon]

When applying washers to the keel retaining bolt to prevent the keel from slapping, I would suggest when using SS washers, get the biggest you can. Sometimes I have found larger ones at mom and pop hardware stores for example Ace Hardware affilitated rather than Lowes. However, I would suggest the last one next to the keel housing to be nylon as metal will wear out the gel coat sometimes.

3M 5200 marine sealant takes 7 days to cure. You have to heat the tube carefully in cold weather. When using this sealant, when in place, leave the area where the sealant was applied alone for a week to allow it to dry. Also, clean up immediatly with either acetone but would suggest alcohol (not the sippin kind which can be expensive)

I know there is good advice on replacement of heavy keels as I have replaced many over the years but I would caution anyone to use extreme caution AND NEVER ATTEMPT THAT ALONE.

Crazy Dave