I gave up my 23' Venture of Newport many years ago. Now I'm thinking of looking for another 23' Venture of Newport as my sailing club has several restrictions as to when and where we can use their boats. Now my question is, after all the years that these boats have been around, how are the keel hinges holding up, and is that a serviceable item. I know I've had my boat out in high winds (35kt +) and rough water here in Puget Sound and those conditions put a lot of stress on everything. That's the part I don't remember ever looking at on mine. Has the keel attachment become an issue, or are they still as reliable as back in the early 80s?
Swinging Keel issues?
- Thread starter Seattle Mike
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- swing keel access
I bought my Mac 25 with receipts for a new pivot pin and lifting line. I’m not going to worry about it at all. I just pulled the keel on my 1999 Hunter 240. There is no sign of wear on the pivot pin. Checking the pin on the Mac/Ven is easy. One could support the keel and pull the pin.
Good luck
Good luck
Thank you, after I finish my siding and house painting, I'll go back to looking for another V' 23
I'd be less concerned about the bolt itself and more about the area surrounding the bolt in both the trunk and the keel. My V21 keel allowed water to get into the steel core bar. It corroded, expended and delaminated the glass at the upper 1/3 ofnthe keel. And the expansion made the keel stick in the trunk. It is out now, but rebuilding is not a typical DIYer job...
I'd also be more concered about the winch and cable for raising/lowering... The boat is hard to beach or trailer if that 4-500 pound keel is in the way!
Good luck on your search and we'll watch for you in the South Puget Sound!
I'd also be more concered about the winch and cable for raising/lowering... The boat is hard to beach or trailer if that 4-500 pound keel is in the way!
Good luck on your search and we'll watch for you in the South Puget Sound!
Good Point thank you. I believe the swing keel on the V 23 is 600# and that's a lot of weight for the hull glass to carry. I always kept an eye on the lift cable, and I usually kept the locking pin with the keel resting on it to keep it swung back a little to relieve some of the weather helm. And of course, the cable loose to prevent vibrations.
Happy sailing.
Happy sailing.
