Swing Keel - Pivot Pin integrity

[Steve]

Anyone know how to check the (Cat 22) swing keel pivot pin w/o dis-assembly? How much side to side play should a swing keel have?

 

[Bill Ogilvie]

X-Ray Vision maybe

My Cat 22 has been berthed in salt water for 17 years, with no maintenance to the keel. The cable broke a long time ago so it is locked in the down position. I bought it a month ago and have been out in 15+ knot winds several times. Every now and then I hear the keel bang when a swell hits the bow at the right time. I'm not too worried about it, but I plan to have it worked on this winter. I don't think there's any way of inspecting it beforehand due to all the marine growth below. Top speed I've been able to achieve is 5.7 mph, according to my GPS.

 

[Shane]

keel pin

It is only about 1/2 hr job to drop the front end of the keel and inspect the pin. 4 bolts and a floor jack. While you have it out replace the bolts. Catalina direct has a kit for a very low price.

 

[john renfro]

keel

hello bill, when you lower the front of the keel ( about 6 inches ) remember that it is about six hundred pounds.john