Swing Keel Leak

[Pete Myers]

With Lake Michigan and the other Great Lakes at nearly historic low levels, we hit bottom a few times last summer, causing our normally dry 1978 25' to take on water. It only takes it on when the keel is down, and not when it's up and in our slip, but that's not good because we like to sail! Has anyone had this happen or know someone who did and fixed it? I can do any fiberglass work needed, but am nervous about dropping the keel and could use some practical suggestions. It would be great to hear from someone who has had this problem and knows how to go about it.

 

[Barry Broyles]

Pete: I had a similar problem with my C22. The water was coming in around the swing keel lock down bolt, and since this bolt is above the water line the water only comes in when it is splashed up into the swing keel trunk while sailing with the board down. In my case it was caused by delamination of the fiberglass, but in your case it could be caused by the bolt being jared loose. If the latter is true you may be able to fix the problem with some water-proof marine grease. In my case I had to cut out several layers of fiberglass and replace it around the steel strap and nut that holds the locking bolt. After the repair I still had a minor leak around the bolt that was stopped by the marine grease. If you need to repair the fiberglass, send me an E-mail and I will give you detailed instructions on how I repaired mine. Barry BroylesLTBROYT6D@cs.com