Swing-Keel Lock Down Bolt

[Dave]

Has anyone replaced a bent lock down bolt? Recently replaced the cable etc., and after launching discovered the keel bolt is preventing keel from swinging full arc. Any suggestions? How serious is this from a handling perspective? The boat is in a slip. Should I pull it out to repair?

 

[Roger]

keel lock down bolt

As far as Im concerned, the lock down bolt is pretty useless. No one can tell me that one bolt of that size is going to stop a 550 lb keel in the event it swings back into the trunk. We sail the Caribbean with our '80 C22 and have never had a problem. Our bolt was frozen in place and broken off. After a lot of liquid wrench and drilling with e-z outs we got it out, made a new one and replaced it. I choose not to use it because I don't believe that it will do much good in an emergency. That's my opinion. you make your own choice.

 

[Larry]

Swing keel bolt

Dave; I think you should have your keel bolt in place. Why tempt it, for the cost of a bolt? I always left my keel down, locked with the bolt. Put some waterproof grease on the threads and work it in well, it's cheap peace of mind.Larry W.