My Tropic 460 looks identical to Alan Wright's Tropic 520 so someone with a 520 might have the answer to my problem. The Swing keel cable has become detached from the keel and there is no sign of the pin to release the keel. How do I remove the keel without cutting into the fibregalss to locate the pin and/or the attachment point? I'd be overjoyed if there is an easy answer! John Wolfe
Trop;ic 460 swing keel
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I can not imagine that and boat builder would build a boat with a moveable keel that required the boat to be cut into to repair that keel. Somewhere inside the boat is the fulcrum point of that keel. It is also possible that it drops out from the bottom like a cassette.
Thanks Ray. We can't either. I have poked my camera with flash into all accessible places and photographed foam covered ballast, centreboard case but so far no sign of the fulcrum. By posting this, I hoped someone would post something like "lift it 2" and then bang it backwards in its slot and it will fall out". So far no such comment. The Tropic 460 is allegedly designed by a top NZ boatbuilder, Alan Wright, so I am hoping I'll get the reply I am hoping for. regards John
I'm not familiar with your boat but I had an idea anyway. I've been working on a Rhodes 22 and on that boat the swing keel pivots through a pin attached to a keel UNDER the boat. To get to the pin, the boat has to be out of the water.
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We took it off the trailer on the lawn and propped it sideways - pulled the keel out - unfortunately no sign of the pin. Poking a wire up the casing didn't locate any slot - can't help thinking we must be missing something! Thanks your comment. John
Didn't take it at the time, but will do so shortly when we take it off the trailer again. There were no marks or holes on the keel at ll. Right up where the keel entered it's slot (aft) was a long weld where presumably the cable had been attached. I have posted on the NZ trailer sailor website, hopefully one of the original builders will see it. John
i like you have problems with my swing keel.. i have a slipper 17 and found the keel bolt has been torn out and dont really know how to fix this one here is some pictures of mine maybe it will help you locate the bolt you can see where mine busted out...wish you luck...its the first four pictures http://s245.photobucket.com/albums/gg70/secondchance22107/
many thanks for the trouble you took to assist. I'll show the pix to my friend to see what we can learn. The inside ones look very familiar. My pin is still in place, though, as the keel swung out when we put the boat on the lawn but it just isn't under control of the winch. John
Thanks for posts. We managed to free the centreboard without ever locating the pin. Some rust had jammed the swing action. After pushing long blades etc up the narrow slots it began to operate. Now we'll lift the stern high up and replace the frayed cable. Back on the water!
Running out of rope
Hi John,
Can you explain how the cable attaches to the swing keel? You mention a cable. How is it connected to the keel?
I have bought a Tropic 460 and the swing keel rope is just a little too short. I can't work out how the keel is attached to the cable.
I haven't yet had the chance to have it out of the water on its side to see the swing keel in action.
I need to replace the rope somehow.
Thanks so much.
Hi John,
Can you explain how the cable attaches to the swing keel? You mention a cable. How is it connected to the keel?
I have bought a Tropic 460 and the swing keel rope is just a little too short. I can't work out how the keel is attached to the cable.
I haven't yet had the chance to have it out of the water on its side to see the swing keel in action.
I need to replace the rope somehow.
Thanks so much.
John and Mark;
I tried to look in many places just like John and came up with this. First for those not familiar with the boat, Tropic 460, it is a small sailboat with a cuddy cabin that is trailerable designed by Alan Wright built by Tropic Trailers Yachts, AU. AU stands for Australia. First built in 1980. This is a common theme by several and a search on the internet does not reveal much. I m not sure but I found Wright's supposed address which is"
ALAN WRIGHT DESIGN Ltd
Postal: PO BOX 169
WHANGAPARAOA
HIBISCUS COAST 0943
New Zealand
However, if you can locate where the head of the keel is on the boat, see if on the deck or cabin floor if there is a cover plate of sorts above in the same area. If there is, take that off and see if you can see anything underneath. The smaller Precisions have such a method on their daysailors when accessing the centerboard with black plastic spacers that are removable on the floor.
A photo of the keel, bottom of the hull and deck/cabin floor would be most helpful.
crazy dave condon
I tried to look in many places just like John and came up with this. First for those not familiar with the boat, Tropic 460, it is a small sailboat with a cuddy cabin that is trailerable designed by Alan Wright built by Tropic Trailers Yachts, AU. AU stands for Australia. First built in 1980. This is a common theme by several and a search on the internet does not reveal much. I m not sure but I found Wright's supposed address which is"
ALAN WRIGHT DESIGN Ltd
Postal: PO BOX 169
WHANGAPARAOA
HIBISCUS COAST 0943
New Zealand
However, if you can locate where the head of the keel is on the boat, see if on the deck or cabin floor if there is a cover plate of sorts above in the same area. If there is, take that off and see if you can see anything underneath. The smaller Precisions have such a method on their daysailors when accessing the centerboard with black plastic spacers that are removable on the floor.
A photo of the keel, bottom of the hull and deck/cabin floor would be most helpful.
crazy dave condon
Tropic 460 reply
Thanks, Dave. No, there is no cover plate. I took lots of flash photos under the cabin and they showed a fully sealed cover to the plate. We hoisted the boat, dropped the plate and found the attachment is accessible with dexterity - but haven't detached it yet. I bound up the fractured wires with tape and so far the winch works normally! I did indulge a passion and bought a Seagull O/B!! John
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