removing keel on a cat 22

[greg]

I have a used 1979 swing keel cat 22. I want to remove the keel and check the keel bolt and any bushings. I understand it weighs about 500 lbs. It now sits on a trailer. Is there any technique I can use to remove the keel while still on the trailer? Or will it be necessary to lift the boat off the trailer? It appears that there are 4 bolts at the bottom of the hull that hold the keel pivot to the boat. Aside from the keel locking bolt, and winch attachment are there any other bolts? Any helpful hint or ideas would be appreciated.

 

[Brad]

Try this site.

I have not done this (and need too), but found a good website which is dedicated to Cat 22's and has some good ideas. It is: http://www.spiritone.com/~mack/c22/ In there, under Technical Tips there is an entry for swing keel removal & inspection. Again I have not attempted it myself, but it seems like it should work. Good Luck. Brad

 

[Chris Fleming]

Swingkeel Removal & Maintenance C-22

The Foredeck, Catalina Direct, sells a video showing how to do this. It's great if you have the Catalina trailer that came with the boat.

 

[rich]

keel removal

I have done this. I do not own a trailer, so that was not a factor. in the off season, my boat sits on 3 rows of cinder blocks stacked 2 high at the stern with an 8' 2x10 supporting it, and one stack 2 high in front of the keel . the keel is then inches from the ground. I built a u-shaped support out off 2x6's and slid it under the keel. This will keep the keel from tipping over when free of the boat. I then loosened the 4 bolts, and using a floor jack, jacked up the front of the boat, free and clear of the keel. It was then a simple task of inspecting the area.if all looks well, you should be able to lower the boat back onto the keel and bolt it back up.Replacement hardware can be ordered from catalina direct, if necessary. (www.catalinadirect.com).Good Luck