I recently bought my first sailboat, a 1973 Venture 222. I am attempting to drop the swing keel so I can sand and paint it. I have removed the bolt that it pivots on, but I still can't get it to drop down. It looks like it is wedged into the trunk (I think that's the right term). I am thinking that all the rust and barnacles are preventing it from sliding out. Am I correct in my assumption or is there something else that I don't know about?
- Status
You're on it
I think you're correct in your foreign objects guess. Be careful, this thing weighs over 500-600 lbs (I don't know exactly) and can hurt you. Use a transmission jack or try to swing it down from from the bolt you removed. I've seen posts here where soaking in water and using a thin metal blade were successful in droping the keel. Something like a machete or hacksaw blades can be used to remove both the marine growth and the possibly crusted rusy iron. I hear it's slow but eventually will happen. Neighbor has a '76 Jack Helms 25 with same problem and we're ready to tackle her. Do build a cradle or something for it to drop on or you'll get hurt and even worse won't be able to get it back in place
. A prior post search might be very helpful here. I'm positive there are photo's that will help you. Steve P.
I think you're correct in your foreign objects guess. Be careful, this thing weighs over 500-600 lbs (I don't know exactly) and can hurt you. Use a transmission jack or try to swing it down from from the bolt you removed. I've seen posts here where soaking in water and using a thin metal blade were successful in droping the keel. Something like a machete or hacksaw blades can be used to remove both the marine growth and the possibly crusted rusy iron. I hear it's slow but eventually will happen. Neighbor has a '76 Jack Helms 25 with same problem and we're ready to tackle her. Do build a cradle or something for it to drop on or you'll get hurt and even worse won't be able to get it back in place
. A prior post search might be very helpful here. I'm positive there are photo's that will help you. Steve P.- Status