siren 17 lock down bolt?

[ECB]

I've just recently become the owner of a lovely little Siren 17, and of course have a huge list of repairs and additions I want to do, but one thing that is puzzling me is that I can't find anywhere to lock down the swing keel!

I have a feeling the previous owner may have added a layer of fiberglass over the keel trunk in order to prevent it from leaking, but I'm not sure exactly where the hole should be - does anyone have any pictures of a siren lock down pin location?

 

[Goatman]

I'll try getting you a picture of mine if not tonight, tomorrow. I just spent the last few months getting mine in good order as well. I was actually going to make another bolt for mine because it's not easy to remove.

A question I have is this, is the bolt supposed to be made of aluminum or stainless? Wasn't sure if it is supposed to shear off if too much pressure is applied to it. Mine probably isn't original.

Mitch

 

[keys please]

Yes it is a shear type bolt. I used to take cheap (alum) bolts and saw them 2/3 thru the shaft of the bolt and then if you hit bottom it would break real easy. If I remember right, after cranking down the keel the bolt would go thru the top of the keel and the hump on the cabin deck. Depending on the water depth of your area, it’s best to have a few on hand…. The idea is to break bolts and not bottoms… I have no idea where you could buy the real bolts as I believe the manufacture is no longer in business.
They are great boats and I had a ton of fun with it…. Just be careful with small craft warnings and too much wind…. Reef early or you will go over……
Once you get used to the boat it’s a blast to sail in heavy wind…….
All the best
brian

 

[Goatman]

Yes it is a shear type bolt.

Thanks Brian, I just purchased some brass rod and I think I'll do the same thing. Saw partially through. I also decided to purchase two handles with 1/4-20 thread so it's alot easier to pull the bolt out when you need to without having to use any tools.

ECB, I've attached pictures of where the hole is supposed to be. Let me know if you have any questions.

I've also attached some shots after I had some graphic work done on her. We've got canon ports. Named her "Queen Anns Revenge" after Blackbeard's ship. Also added Corian Hand rails, Corian door rails, Corian table with 4 cup holders, 1-cigarette lighter port, Stereo system, fan on ceiling of cabin, new cushions for interior exactly like the original, barbed wire pin striping, made new mahogany threshold into cabin ect. And, I'm not done yet. Lot's of work but I enjoy it and taking my grand kids out.

Mitch

 

[ECB]

ECB, I've attached pictures of where the hole is supposed to be. Let me know if you have any questions.
Mitch

Thanks so much! It it has also been suggested that I shine a flashlight through the housing with the keel down to make sure the hole lines up before redrilling, but this confirms the location that I thought it might be is correct.

Very snazzy paint job, too!