swing keel construction?

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J

John

I am in the process of purchasing a 1981' 22'(in the water) the swing keel is lowered easily with a rope by hand (no winch)My question is this: is there a portion of the ballast in the form of a small keel below the hull that the swing keel comes out of or is the bottom smooth or "flat"? I am trying to rebuild a trailer to fit the bottom configuration and wondering if there is a "mini keel then I will need to take that into consideration. I can view a 1982 22' at a marina on a trailer, would an 81' have the same bottom as an 82'? Did Hunter perhaps have more than one keel/ballast configeration for the two years? Also the weight of this boat was listed as 3200 LBS is that correct? Thanks to who ever can contribute.
 
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David

If it's the same as an '82

I put my 82 in the water in October and here's what I can offer: Yep, it's 3200 lbs, pretty hefty for her size. The keel sticks out only about a foot or so I'd say below the bottom of the boat. Remember, with the keel up it only draws about 2 feet of water. I know Hunter made the 22 with the swing keel and a small fixed one I believe; but the one you are looking at should be the same as mine since it is a swing model. All of the ballast, 1300 lbs, is in the form of two plates under the boards in the cabin. Have fun with the boat, We've had a blast with ours. David (sea monkeys)
 
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John

22' swing keel

Dave, thanks for your response on the keel question. I am still in a fix... I went to the marina to look at the 82'/ 22' that was for sale and the boat was in the water so I could not get a look at the keel. The trailer was where it was when the boat was on it so that gave me a great opertunity to take pictures and measurements. The trailer design indicated a keel hung down about a foot as you say because of the two center supports that were lower and about 9" apart. The printed ad from the marina for that boat stated "lead swing keel". Could that be pulled up easily by hand with a small rope(3/8") as the one in the boat I am looking at did? The person I am buying from says the bottom is flat nothing hanging down unless the keel is released. Perhaps he is mistaken, or there are two different swing keel designs? It is important that I know this detail when modifing a trailer because if there is a "flat" bottom with a keel that retracs fully, then I can keep the outer bunks lower for better trailering and not have to accomadate a 12" keel below the bottom. If you understand what I am on to here and have an answer thanks, I need to get going on this soon.
 
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Andy K

H22 Swing Keel

I Have a '82 H22 and I'm sure yours is the same. The swing keel is only fiberglass, not too heavy. It does not retract completely. To verify this on your boat just look in the cabin to see if there is a large protrustion where it could be completely retracted. The '82 only has the drop leaf table to house the swinging mechanics, rope pulley, etc. I'm familiar with the mechanics of the keel.I had my keel off last Fall for bearing repairs. A needed service after 20 years
 
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Chuck

1981 H22

The swing keel of the 81 H22 is foam, made by Foss Foam. It weighs about 50 lbs. It is attatched with a pin through two bronze plates, throughbolted to the bottom of the hull with 4 bolts. In the retracted position the keel still hangs its' leading edge below the boat about 1 foot. The bottom is flat out to about 2 feet from either side of the keel amidships. From just aft of the keel it starts to angle up towards the stern. These are GREAT boats. Enjoy it.
 
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David

Good luck!

Yep, that should about cover it for you I would think John. I thought the keel was around 100 pounds, but 50 is probably more like it. I have a 3/8 inch line on mine and it pulls it up very easily. Have fun with the boat, and remember, reef the darned thing early! David (sea monkeys)
 
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Andy K

Keel Construction Details

Just for details--- The '82 swing keel is foam filled fiberglass weighting about 100+ lbs. It took two of us to handle it and carry it to the shop. I replaced the nylon bushing and had to cut through it with a hole saw to remove the worn bearing, and epoxy in a new custom made one. (the pivot hole in the keel bearing was worn elongated and swayed sideways) The lifting mechanism is a two-to- one block system under the table (easily accessible). The keel is heavier then the feel on the pull rope. A super little boat with so much designed into it. We've had ours for 15 years and never wanted to upsize. Andy Super-K
 
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Mark

H22 Swing Keel

We just bought an 81 H22 with a swing keel and had the previous owner pull the boat up on the trailer to inspect the bottom. The keel does protrude from the bottom of the boat about a foot or so when raised. Good luck with your project!
 
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David

Mark, where in SC?

I head up that way for business quite a bit. Anywhere near Hilton Head?
 
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John

h22 keel

Thanks Andy, David, Mark and Chuck for your response.When does one know that the bushings need replacing? Play in the keel would indicate possibly, but how much play. Or is it a sound it makes when lowered and under sail? Also is there any possible water leakage if something is worn ? The boat is new to me so I appreciate all who have answered my inquiry, I am building a trailer for it, will let you know how it comes out, pictures even. I will have more general questions I am sure, every one of you has indicated that this is a fun boat, will be anxious to try it. Thanks again.
 
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