hi i have taken out the bolts for the trunk and it will not come out. does any body have any pointers to take off a keel and trunk on a 23' oday?
swing keel and trunk
- Thread starter markgalloway22
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Maybe I can help.
Are you referring to the four bolts that hold in two metal plates in the forward end of the keel? If so, the two metal plates are probably also held in place by a sealer and may need to be pried out. The two plates hold the two wedges in place that support the pinion that the swing keel rotates on. The two wedges may also need to be pried out because of sealing. The two wedges need to be removed carefully with the swing keel fully supported. Its a wee bit heavy to have drop on you while under it. If this doesn't make sense, you may have a different keel configuration than my '83 O'Day 23. CVP
Are you referring to the four bolts that hold in two metal plates in the forward end of the keel? If so, the two metal plates are probably also held in place by a sealer and may need to be pried out. The two plates hold the two wedges in place that support the pinion that the swing keel rotates on. The two wedges may also need to be pried out because of sealing. The two wedges need to be removed carefully with the swing keel fully supported. Its a wee bit heavy to have drop on you while under it. If this doesn't make sense, you may have a different keel configuration than my '83 O'Day 23. CVP
Centerboard
What do you mean "bolts for the trunk" What is this trunk? Do you mean centerboard or also sometimes called swing keel?
What do you mean "bolts for the trunk" What is this trunk? Do you mean centerboard or also sometimes called swing keel?
There are at least two models of O'day 23.....
....and more if you count the 23' Tempest. O'day 23s from the early '70s have a different keel/centerboard arrangement than the more common O'day 23 from late 70s and 80s. I don't know enough about them to be helpful on repairs but I do know they are different. This link to the "unofficial O'day website's" model index may be helpful.
....and more if you count the 23' Tempest. O'day 23s from the early '70s have a different keel/centerboard arrangement than the more common O'day 23 from late 70s and 80s. I don't know enough about them to be helpful on repairs but I do know they are different. This link to the "unofficial O'day website's" model index may be helpful.
What Year is your 23?
To help with terms: Your pocket cruiser has a shoal draft keel (not a Trunk) with a slot in it to receive a swing-up centerboard (not a swing keel). What year is your 23'? Since you are talking about bolts inside, I am guessing the earlier model. The keel is cast iron, and is bolted on with 10 bolts that you can access through plugs in the cabin sole. The cast iron keel weighs 1200 lbs. If that is the "trunk" you are taking off, I recommend that you leave it on the boat. The boat is unsafe without it and you are challenging maintenance issues by removing it if you are not in a boatyard. The fiberglass wrapped centerboard (if it was all there) weighs about 55 lbs; it is definitely not a "swing keel". The boat is safe without it, but will not handle as well into the wind. The centerboard is attached with a pivot pin that is driven through a friction-fit hole in the cast iron keel. Scrape paint/filler from the side of the keel toward the bow to locate the indentation where the pin is and drive it out.
To help with terms: Your pocket cruiser has a shoal draft keel (not a Trunk) with a slot in it to receive a swing-up centerboard (not a swing keel). What year is your 23'? Since you are talking about bolts inside, I am guessing the earlier model. The keel is cast iron, and is bolted on with 10 bolts that you can access through plugs in the cabin sole. The cast iron keel weighs 1200 lbs. If that is the "trunk" you are taking off, I recommend that you leave it on the boat. The boat is unsafe without it and you are challenging maintenance issues by removing it if you are not in a boatyard. The fiberglass wrapped centerboard (if it was all there) weighs about 55 lbs; it is definitely not a "swing keel". The boat is safe without it, but will not handle as well into the wind. The centerboard is attached with a pivot pin that is driven through a friction-fit hole in the cast iron keel. Scrape paint/filler from the side of the keel toward the bow to locate the indentation where the pin is and drive it out.
25 foot with keel stuck
I just bought a 1985 O'day 25. The center portion of the keel is stuck UP. What is the best method to lower it. It is in the water and has been for the last 4-5 years. thanks david poirier poirier@ieee.org
I just bought a 1985 O'day 25. The center portion of the keel is stuck UP. What is the best method to lower it. It is in the water and has been for the last 4-5 years. thanks david poirier poirier@ieee.org
What I Did
There are various reasons why the centerboard can stick, but mine was because there was marine growth between the CB and the trunk. With it in the water, I put on my scuba gear (I'm lousy at holding my breath) and used a regular Army/Navy Store type machete. I ran it back and forth several times on each side of the CB (with it tied up). I couldn't believe the junk that was coming out of it. When it felt pretty clear, I untied the line, and went back down. It had only come down about 5 or 6 inches. I then took a crowbar, and pulled it free. With the CB down, I ran the machete inside the trunk again, and more junk came out. A LOT more. When no more came out, I move the CB up and down, and it worked cleanly. It's been 4 years, and only one problem since - a time I jammed mud in it when I ran aground.
There are various reasons why the centerboard can stick, but mine was because there was marine growth between the CB and the trunk. With it in the water, I put on my scuba gear (I'm lousy at holding my breath) and used a regular Army/Navy Store type machete. I ran it back and forth several times on each side of the CB (with it tied up). I couldn't believe the junk that was coming out of it. When it felt pretty clear, I untied the line, and went back down. It had only come down about 5 or 6 inches. I then took a crowbar, and pulled it free. With the CB down, I ran the machete inside the trunk again, and more junk came out. A LOT more. When no more came out, I move the CB up and down, and it worked cleanly. It's been 4 years, and only one problem since - a time I jammed mud in it when I ran aground.
On mine O23
I have a 1973 O23 like described above, and as others said, do not "undo" the keel unless you hae the means and ways to put it back on..As stated, the thing is about 1200 pounds. When I had to free my swing last year when I purchsased the boat after sitting for 7 years, I used a friends autoshop, backed the trailer between the lift, and lifted the boat right off the trailer. Unless my "pin" was changed at some point, when I tried to take mine out, it seem very soft metal or plastic, and it didn't want to budge and I was just ruining the thing. We were able to get it from under neath, as descibed by Herb.
I have a 1973 O23 like described above, and as others said, do not "undo" the keel unless you hae the means and ways to put it back on..As stated, the thing is about 1200 pounds. When I had to free my swing last year when I purchsased the boat after sitting for 7 years, I used a friends autoshop, backed the trailer between the lift, and lifted the boat right off the trailer. Unless my "pin" was changed at some point, when I tried to take mine out, it seem very soft metal or plastic, and it didn't want to budge and I was just ruining the thing. We were able to get it from under neath, as descibed by Herb.
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