swing keel problems

[john]

I am a novice sailor with my first (very worn) sailboat. One of the bolts in the keel boot of my Venture 22 has pulled into the fibreglass and looks like it is severely bent or broken. It has caused tearing and delamination of the fibreglass. This bolt is between a bolt at the top of the boot beside the head and above the pivot for the swing keel. The bolt that is a problem is not the pivot for the keel and is not visible from underneath when the keel is retracted. Lowering the keel has recently become very jerky. I do not think this bolt is in a position to do anything when the keel is lowered. I wondered if it is intended to function as a stop when the keel is raised. If anyone can tell me what this bolt is and what its function is, I would appreciate the information. thanks.

 

[Bob]

Bent Lock Bolt

Sounds like a bent keel lock bolt. This is the bolt that keeps your keel pointing out should your boat ever get blown over. It seems like you or your previous owner hit something with the keel drawing the bolt into the chamber. You'll most likely need to drop the keel if the bolt is wrapped around the tail of the keel. (find someone with experience since the keel is extreamly heavy and needs to be put back. You'll also need to fix the fiberglass while it's out and change the rubber washers when you bolt it back up) Good Luck. I'm pulling out a lock bolt myself this spring on my 25.

 

[Bob]

Can you still sail the boat?

I have the same problem.Can you still sail the boat without the bolt?

 

[Chuck Wicks]

Can I sail without the keel lock bolt

When I lived in the FL keys I owned and sailed a Mac 22 in alot of shoal water and touched the keel down on a regular basis. Because I was afraid of doing damage if I hit too hard. I never locked the keel down. CAUTION! The owners manual states that if you experience a knock down with the keel unlocked it could suddenly swing in and cause damage. I never experienced a knock down but I chose my weather fairly carefully.