What is this bolt near the keel cabinet on my 1980 C22 swing keel?

[hudson_rogue]

Please pardon my ignorance, but in my C22 swing keel, what is this bolt older the v berth cushion? And ships I be concerned that I can't turn it (hand strength).

And while I have your attention, should I be concerned that I can go under the boat on the trailer and wobble the keel a bit?

Is there a way to know if I need to to replace the swing keel bolt without taking her apart?

 

[Gene Neill]

Keel lockdown bolt. It's effectiveness is widely debated.

Most keels do wobble to one extent or another. Ours certainly does. There are ways to mitigate the wobble if it is extreme. Video would help.

By "swing keel bolt" I think you mean the hanger pin? You'll have to inspect it. The hanger bolts should be replaced periodically anyway, good time to do it. One bolt at a time. Go slow and don't force them. Use PB Blaster and patience - WEEKS of patience if necessary. Breaking one off is a disaster.

 

[Captain Grey Beard]

Hudson,
Before you put any tools or force on these old stuck fasteners, do yourself a huge favor and get some penatrating oil on them first. Gene's PB Blaster suggestion is LEGIT. Wet the joint where the bolt goes into the boat and just let it soak for a day. Come back and wet it again the next day. Do that for 3 days before you try to force anything.
My keel lock bolt was stuck too. I did the oil soak fot a couple days and it freed right up.
It took some leverage and a tool, but it came free pretty easily.
the penatrating oil helps to prevent it from breaking..... some times they break anyway.... that's just boat life. It's not the end of the world. But it is more work. Patience & Finesse will win the day!
If it's still hard to move, just keep soaking it. And don't just try to move it in one direction. Giving it some torque in both directions can help to free up the gunk that's got it stuck.
YOU CAN DO THIS!