I have a 1985 Macgregor 25' with a swing keel. I have replaced or service just about everything on this boat except the winch,cable and hardware for the swing keel. The cable appears to be in good condition, connecting hardware also looks to be in good condition. I use this feature frequently and when using it the cable makes a alot of grinding and popping sounds as I winch the keel up and down. Is there any preventive maintance I should be doing here?
swing keel concerns
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First welcome to the board.
Have you ever dropped the keel and checked the pivot hole and the bolt? I'd do that for sure. If the cable would break that would be a mess, but if you lost the keel, like what has happened to some, that would be disastrous. Then at the same time you could check and service the items you mentioned,
Sum
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Have you ever dropped the keel and checked the pivot hole and the bolt? I'd do that for sure. If the cable would break that would be a mess, but if you lost the keel, like what has happened to some, that would be disastrous. Then at the same time you could check and service the items you mentioned,
Sum
Our Endeavour 37
Our Trips to Utah, Idaho, Canada, Florida
Our MacGregor S Pages
Mac-Venture Links
I wonder if you're hearing the result of cable overwrap on the winch drum? My cable was/is fine, but it did cause me to look closely at the winch when I was cranking. Beyond that, I don't know.
I suspect you are hearing the normal sounds of the cable that is under the tension of the keel weight unwinding and winding. However, if you wish to look further, get a buddy to come out with you. Then when all is quiet, lower and raise the keel a few times and note the sound level. Also try to watch the cable unwinding to verify my opening statement. Then ask your buddy to do the same as you move to the keel bolt and listen from there. See if the sound is louder there. Then you have narrowed down the 2 possible sources of your sound.
Just for piece of mind I would replace the cable if you are concerned. It is an easy, inexpensive fix. Justsome guy is correct the cable does not wrap on the winch evenly. Make sure that you check the cable as it is lowered. The section that would be subject to the most chaffing would not be visible while the cable in on the winch. I you could inspect the cable as someone lowers it until the whole cable is let out. Watch for broken strands. The through hole flange fitting that the cable passes through sometimes gets notched on the forward side. The typical fix is to remove the fitting and reinstall with the notch to the aft. If you do that you might want to replace the plastic tubing.
Do not make the tubing too long. I have seen where the longer ("must be better") tubing gets wrapped up in the winch and yanked off from the flange, not a good thing.
Another consideration is to use wire rope cable that is designed for winching, it is more flexible and less subject to fatigue.
Here is a good video I came across that demonstrates the difference.
Do not make the tubing too long. I have seen where the longer ("must be better") tubing gets wrapped up in the winch and yanked off from the flange, not a good thing.
Another consideration is to use wire rope cable that is designed for winching, it is more flexible and less subject to fatigue.
Here is a good video I came across that demonstrates the difference.
Good Point nefver thought about the pivot bolt. You are correct that would be a real mess. THANKS
Yes the winch/clutch appear to work well. I will check the tube alignment this spring. Thanks for the tip.
These are all great tips. This is the first time I have used this type of forum and really appreciate the input.
I HIGHLY recommend having plugs for if/when your tube come off. I had a yard not reattach the tube, after hey replaced the cable, and enough water came on board in a short while to put the locking hole below the waterline. I went to pick up my boat, only to find it tied up at a 45 degree angle with two feet of water inside (Mac 25 1987). The yard screwed up and acknowledged it, so they took care of it. Just a warning as it is much more than a splash guard.
Jeff
Jeff
Doubble clamp it (the tube) and if replacing do not make it so long that it gets caught up in the wench and pulled off.
I will b going to the Chicago Strickly Sail Show at the end of January and will look for more info on the wire rope. Thanks to everyone who responded to my issues and Have a Merry Christmas.
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