Swing keel rope or cable?

[Todd Shaw]

The cable that pulls the keel up on my Hunter 22 snapped. I am getting ready to replace it. Question, is the "line" that goes directly to the "board" supposed to be cable, or rope? My owners manual shows rope for the whole rig. My boat is currently rope on the inside of the cabin(which is correct) and cable going to the "board" The board was repaired a few years ago so I'm not sure if the steel cable is supposed to be there or not. Any info on this would be greatly appreciated. Thank You in advance.

 

[Chris]

I think it should be cable

I'm not sure, but I think the 22 used a steel centerboard, unlike my H23 which uses a light fiberglass board. Mine uses ropes all the way, but I believe most boats with the heavy "swing keels" use SS cables.....

 

[Jerry Atchison]

Gotta be a cable

I have a Hunter 22 that came from the factory with the cable for the outside run. It is a 76 model. Glad to run across someone else with one, I havn't seen one in this area.

 

[Dan LaFon]

Steel Cable

I have a 1981 model. I believe that was the first year for the Hunter 22 at least as far as I have found. My boat had a steel cable from the padeye on the board to the block inside the table and a rope attached to the other side of the block. I am not sure if the steel cable was original part but I would not want a rope in the centerboard trunk. I would think that a rope would rot too easily in that environment. By the way the sheave that is built into the top of the centerboard trunk on my boat is the type made for cable or wire that also leads me to believe that it is supposed to be cable.

 

[Chuck]

Stick with cable

I went through this rope nonsense this August as mine was purchased with rope installed from the previous owner. The rope dry rots, so after a couple of uses BOOOING!! Guess what? You now have a full keel till outhaul time. Keep that stainless steel.