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Catalina/Capri 25/250 Sailor's Forums

Catalina 25 Specific Forum

keel cable

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Larry
1st Mate

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USA
37 Posts

Initially Posted - 10/02/2005 : 14:50:31

Hey,
Just purchased a 1984 C25, have taken it out a few times and am very happy with it. I am new at this sailing thing so I've been intimidated, excited, perplexed...a whole range emotions over the past few weeks. This site has helped a lot.
Now I have a problem. While lowering my swing keel yesterday I noticed the a section of the cable was frayed (previously I had checked it out and it appeared to be in good shape). My friend who was with me raised the keel when we were arriving back at the dock. I checked the cable this morning and I found a mess - basically the keel is hanging by three strands. It appears to be about 3/4 of the way down. Should I lower it all the way and then try to make my way over to the boat lift guy or leave it where it is? My friend thinks that trying to lower it more may cause it to break.
Once I do get it out where do I find the necessary replacement parts? How long of a cable and what size?
I was so happy to get this boat and my heart really sank when I saw the condition of that cable today.
I'd really appreciate some help!

Larry
"Kate Caroline" 1985
Great South Bay, Long Island, NY

Edited by - on

Leon Sisson
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1893 Posts

Response Posted - 10/02/2005 : 16:07:36

Larry,

I get my swing keel parts from the Catalina Yachts factory.

You might consider putting the keel all the way down (assuming you've got the depth), and hiring a diver to change cables. It can be done in the water, just don't loosen the 'radiator hose' the cable runs through. You won't be able to service the turning ball (which is probably screwed up), but I think this approach would be safer and even easier than trying to get the boat lifted without breaking what's left of the shredded cable.

Or, have the diver remove the old cable, and plug the cable hole from below. Then remove the hose and replace the turning ball. Reinstall the hose, remove the plug, and then feed the new cable up from the bottom (behind the turning ball or course).

But it's your call.

-- Leon Sisson

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atgep
Master Marine Consultant

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1009 Posts

Response Posted - 10/02/2005 : 17:35:55

New boat, bad cable, get it pulled. It will give you a good look at the swing bracket, bolts and the rest of the getup. Now, As for the cable. I would get to the lift. If you lower the keel, you may not be able to get to the lift. I would get the boat in the sling, and then lower the keel. If the cable breaks, I would rather have it happen with an immediate way to get the boat out and not 15 feet in the air!

It is really your call. I would not let it sit in the water partly up with a bad cable. If it breaks your boat can eventually sink.

Tom.

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pjeffarch
Navigator

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USA
135 Posts

Response Posted - 10/02/2005 : 20:41:12

Do whatever you can to get it out of the water and replace that cable ASAP. I'd lower the keel, then have the boat lifted out with a sling/crane. Whatever it costs will be worth it - then once the cable is replaced have a great time!

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ronrryan
Admiral

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USA
561 Posts

Response Posted - 10/04/2005 : 10:34:22

Some folks have posted previously that when their cable failed they worked a line around the boat and back to the keel, and were able to use the winches to lift the keel enough to haul. You might want to try a variation of this, to have the line around the boat supporting the keel, and gradually raise the keel with the winch, at the same time taking up on the "keelhaul" line. That way you have a safety if the cable breaks. Once up, you can motor to your lift or whatever is your haulout device. Just a thought. Good Luck, Ron in Venice, Orion #2343

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Leon Sisson
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1893 Posts

Response Posted - 10/04/2005 : 10:58:13

I like Ron's haulout w/safety line idea. The reason I suggested the possibility of replacing the frayed cable in the water was specifically to avoid the risk of having the bad cable break at the last minute during haulout. I didn't mean to imply that a haulout wasn't needed.

-- Leon Sisson

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Larry
1st Mate

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USA
37 Posts

Response Posted - 10/04/2005 : 12:36:05

Well, after hearing from you guys and speaking with some friends, finally consulting with my slip-neighbor who it turns out (happily) is a very accomplished sailor, he and I very carefully and slowly lowered the keel all the way down. I was mistaken when I said previously that all that was left was three strands - it is actually only two!

My mind is very much eased now. However, I still need to hear some opinions:
I am located on Long Island's Great South Bay and to the east of me there is a decent amount of water depth-wise - am I OK to finish out the season (til Nov. 30) or should I pull it out now?

Is having the boat lifted out with the keel down going to be a major issue? Should I try the keel haul thing before it is lifted?

By the way, I ordered all the parts from Catalina Direct - cable, pin, roller ball and pin. Hope to have them in a few days.

Thanks again for all your opinions.

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ronrryan
Admiral

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USA
561 Posts

Response Posted - 10/05/2005 : 20:56:09

When for many years I sailed with the Great South Bay Cruising Club, the saying was "If you ain't aground, you ain't sailing". When Hervey Garret Smith designed the burgee, it showed green shallow water on the bottom, and sky on the top. You now draw five feet. 'Nuff said? Good luck, Ron Orion #2343 in Venice, FL

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pjeffarch
Navigator

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USA
135 Posts

Response Posted - 10/05/2005 : 22:55:18

Can't say I know what Ron was sayin', but I'd get her out and fixed myself. Your call, for you can sail of course, but the longer the cable is un-attended, those strands will just get worse.

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Jay Schkloven
1st Mate

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USA
84 Posts

Response Posted - 10/08/2005 : 10:27:01

I would have to say, have the boat pulled immediately or have a diver do the work. I get my cables from Catalina and the turn around time is not bad. I would not sail the boat. If your slip is shallow get it done right away. You do not want the keel in the mud and the waves rocking the boat. Check your winch to see if there is a rough spot that worked on the cable. When you put the new cable on keep tension on it as you wrap it around the winch.

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The Officers, Staff and members of this site only provide information based upon the concept that anyone utilizing this information does so at their own risk and holds harmless all contributors to this site.