Retractable Keel lock down bolt issues

[Jackdaw]

The 30 degree aft sweep of the keel prevents it from swinging in ANY wave you might encounter. As for a knockdown and 180 degree turtle, I'd eat a winch handle if Catalina did a test on the 22 and figured that keel lock bolt was needed to keep the keel out (and would do so) in a knockdown. That's NOT how they designed boats.

 

[Kestle]

The 30 degree aft sweep of the keel prevents it from swinging in ANY wave you might encounter. As for a knockdown and 180 degree turtle, I'd eat a winch handle if Catalina did a test on the 22 and figured that keel lock bolt was needed to keep the keel out (and would do so) in a knockdown. That's NOT how they designed boats.

I'd get Catalina to fib a bit, just to watch that!!!!!

Jeff

 

[Doug4bass]

If you hit something hard keel down....you might wish the keel bolt was tight. On another note...a little winch grease helps with the leaks

 

[CapnGrumpyBreeches]

If you hit something hard keel down....you might wish the keel bolt was tight. On another note...a little winch grease helps with the leaks

My train of thought is if i do actually hit something, I do not want the keel locked down.

 

[$tingy Sailor]

I know this won't set the story straight forever but if you do an anal amount of research like I did into this issue for an as-yet unpublished article, including reading old, original C-22 design statements made by Frank Butler and reviewing the design with two experienced engineers, one of them the Dean of Engineering at a prestigious university and the other a 35-year veteran of GM, and perform all the calculations, you'll come to two unmistakable conclusions:

1. The bolt was NEVER intended to perform any function at all in a turtle incident. It was only intended to slow the keel down after it was knocked up by hitting an underwater object so that it would not damage the trunk on impact and potentially sink the boat. It has happened in at least one documented incident that I'm aware of and that's enough to scare any mfr. into installing some kind of safety device.

2. It could only possibly slow down but not stop the keel as it swung shut in a turtle incident under PERFECT conditions: maximum hand-applied torque, lock bolt in perfect condition with lubricant, perfect keel condition and coatings, no pivot assembly wear at all, very slow inversion, and so on. In the real world, it would not affect the outcome much, if at all.

I lock mine when I remember to. I've hit unexpected rocks once and had a near miss from hitting a mysterious piling in the middle of a bay during low water level. It could happen to you. You could get very wet.

 

[CapnGrumpyBreeches]

I know this won't set the story straight forever but if you do an anal amount of research like I did into this issue for an as-yet unpublished article, including reading old, original C-22 design statements made by Frank Butler and reviewing the design with two experienced engineers, one of them the Dean of Engineering at a prestigious university and the other a 35-year veteran of GM, and perform all the calculations, you'll come to two unmistakable conclusions:

1. The bolt was NEVER intended to perform any function at all in a turtle incident. It was only intended to slow the keel down after it was knocked up by hitting an underwater object so that it would not damage the trunk on impact and potentially sink the boat. It has happened in at least one documented incident that I'm aware of and that's enough to scare any mfr. into installing some kind of safety device.

2. It could only possibly slow down but not stop the keel as it swung shut in a turtle incident under PERFECT conditions: maximum hand-applied torque, lock bolt in perfect condition with lubricant, perfect keel condition and coatings, no pivot assembly wear at all, very slow inversion, and so on. In the real world, it would not affect the outcome much, if at all.

I lock mine when I remember to. I've hit unexpected rocks once and had a near miss from hitting a mysterious piling in the middle of a bay during low water level. It could happen to you. You could get very wet.

Ok I wasn't thinking of the keel hitting an object and rapidly coming UP. That makes sense. Thanks for the explaination. Wont the friction bolt destroy an epoxy coating? (Saying this, I understand that if my boat sinks, the coating wont matter anyway)

 

[Gene Neill]

Ok I wasn't thinking of the keel hitting an object and rapidly coming UP. That makes sense. Thanks for the explaination. Wont the friction bolt destroy an epoxy coating? (Saying this, I understand that if my boat sinks, the coating wont matter anyway)

I don't think I've ever seen an old C22 keel that DIDN'T have a massive, rusted gouge in it from the lockdown bolt.

 

[Leeward Rail]

I don't think I've ever seen an old C22 keel that DIDN'T have a massive, rusted gouge in it from the lockdown bolt.

Personally I'd not really worry about scratching it after it's refinished.
Our boat is almost 30 years old and it's still going strong.
When I eventually refinish the keel, it will get eventually get scratched again, but likely last another couple decades. I'll just be touching up the keel paint occasionally.