Date: 9/11/2007
Name: Al Paul
email: al.paul@sbcglobal.net
subject:Keel
There are 3 bolts that go through the keel trunk. Forward and near the bottom is the pivot bolt. In most boats both ends of the bolt are fiberglassed over and you must do some carving to get to the ends. Near the top of the trunk about 18" aft of the mast stanchion is the stop bolt. It prevents the keel from going too far down. Below and aft of the stop bolt is where the lock bolt is inserted. Mine is a 1/2 X 6" stainless steel bolt. As you winch the keel down, stick a screwdriver in the lock bolt hole. When you have thus found the mating hole in the keel, insert the bolt. You may have to work the keel up and down a bit and wiggle the bolt and give it a light tap. As you find each of the two positions, wrap some tape around the winch cable to mark where it enters the keel trunk. If the bolt doesn't go in, inspect to see if the holes in keel and keel trunk line up. If allignent is bad, you gotta problem. The pivot bolt and/or the pivot hole in the keel are probably worn. All I can say is search Jim's many, many messages. There are some which address this problem. Welcome to the world of swing keels!Al Paul
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