Swing keel question

[John]

Recently purchased a '72 C22. The locking mechanism for the swing keel is frozen (previous owner said he never used it). I'd like to hear from you all as to the importance of locking down the keel when sailing. We sail only in Lake Ponchartrain and not in the Gulf, though it can get pretty lively out there at times. We recently had the bottoml painted and the cable and bolt were inspected and declared OK. Thanks, John

 

[Keith K.]

Touchy subject

It's a split opinion. One camp says that you must lock down the keel at all times, because in the event of a knockdown it will prevent the keel from smashing into the keel trunk at high speed. This could sink the boat.However, the other camp says that the locking bolt is a pain in the ass and can damage the keel and keel trunk in the case of a grounding. Personally, I hate it. It's caused a fairly substantial leak in my boat (finally repaired). The area around the bolt has been reglassed four times. I now keep it unlocked, but I sail in an inland lake with no chance of a knockdown. In rougher waters I'd probably lock it down.I expect other skippers to weigh in shortly.-Keith K.S/V Vesta

 

[Bill Wyatt]

Swing Keel Locking Bolt

I have found it a pain to lock the keel down. I sail near Annapolis Maryland. I have had it over to about 70 degrees playing with it and as soon as I let the main out the boat sat up smartly. I never had it move or bang around. I do not push it hard however I had green water over the bow and plenty of time with the toe rail under water.I prefer to not lock down the keel. I do make sure the battery is secure and I keep the forward hatch locked down as well as the aft starboard locker. This locker falling open in a knock down could sink the boat. I am more concerned with hitting bottom and with the keel dug in not being able to unlock the keel to crank it up. I have been told by others to lock it down if I plan to fly a chute or sail in very gusty winds. I do not use a chute. I find the boat is easy to round up as well as depower the main at the same time preventing a knockdown. Hope that is of some help.

 

[Frank Taylor]

To lock or not

I sail a 1980 Catalina 22 which has a swing keel with the locking mechanism. I've heard other Catalina 22 sailors claim that when heeling at about 30 degrees the swing keel has a tendency to retract back into the centerboard trunk if not locked down. Recently, while sailing, my keel struck something underwater, probably a tree trunk or submerged log. It was locked down at the time and the boat took a really good bang as the keel didn't swing. In that case, its possible to damage the locking mechanism. Since I am confident of my sailing abilities and safety judement, I like to sail with the looking bolt somewhat loose, so that the keel can swing up over an obstruction. However, sould a Catalina 22 with an unlocked keel ever turn turtle, the keel would swing back into the housing and righting would be difficult.