Association Forum - Catalina 25 Swing Keel Cable Replacement

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Catalina/Capri 25/250 Sailor's Forums

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Catalina 25 Swing Keel Cable Replacement

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HYCC25
Deckhand

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USA
2 Posts

Initially Posted - 10/24/2009 : 15:30:51

I have a Catalina 25 moored at my slip in a lake in middle TN. The last time I was out, I cranked up my swing keel and the cable broke at the at the end connector. The cable in in the cabin. There doesn't seem to be any keel damage as I'm not taking on any water over a one month period.

Can I get my boat out of the water on to my trailer by simply hauling it on with my trailer cable and the swing keel would naturally raise by pushing against the trailer as it's loaded? Or do I need to do something else? If anyone knows I'd appreciate any insight. Thanks.

HYC C-25

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Dave5041
Former Mainsheet Editor

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USA
3758 Posts

Response Posted - 10/24/2009 : 17:11:00

That would put a lot of strain on your winch and cable, and you might well cause some significant damage that you have been fortunate to avoid. You will have to have it lifted to replace the cable anyway, so order the new parts from Catalina Direct, including the improved keel attachment and ball, and then have the boat lifted onto stands and attend to the bottom, including a thorough exam of the forward end of the keel trunk. If you have the old eyebolt attachment in the keel, it may be a challenge getting it out. It will also be a good time to check for sloppiness at the pivot assembly and add zincs (magnesium for fresh water) to the keel. It is possible to jack up the stern enough to get to keel cable attachment if you managed to get the boat on the trailer, but I wouldn't recommend it if you value your life and appendages.

edit: There are a couple other approaches to get it on the trailer if you don't have a lift option, but none of them are as good as having it lifted. I can go in to them if this is a desperate situation.

edit 2: If you don't have a lift option and need the info soon, you can call me - check the Flag Line & Staff page. I faced this issue with a previous boat, and the process is easier to discuss in a conversation.

Edited by - Dave5041 on 10/24/2009 17:38:46

OJ
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
4382 Posts

Response Posted - 10/24/2009 : 17:35:05

In the event you do not have a lift at your marina (as is the case at ours) you can hire a scuba diver (as someone at our marina did) to replace your keel cable. Hauling the boat out without the keel in the fully rasied position would be difficult and (as Dave5041 pointed out) you run the risk of causing damage to the boat and/or trailer. You were lucky not to have sunk your boat when the cable broke - don't press your luck!

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HYCC25
Deckhand

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USA
2 Posts

Response Posted - 10/24/2009 : 18:24:02

I don't have lift option but have scuba diver ready and willing to help in anyway, but not sure how to proceed. Does he take a new keel cable below and feed it up to person in cabin who then winds on winch? I know the winch end as I replaced it last summer. Not sure what to tell him to do underwater however. Scuba diver is a Catalina 25 owner but fixed keel. Thanks for feedback.

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by OJ
 In the event you do not have a lift at your marina (as is the case at ours) you can hire a scuba diver (as someone at our marina did) to replace your keel cable. Hauling the boat out without the keel in the fully rasied position would be difficult and (as Dave5041 pointed out) you run the risk of causing damage to the boat and/or trailer. You were lucky not to have sunk your boat when the cable broke - don't press your luck!

<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

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dmpilc
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
4593 Posts

Response Posted - 10/24/2009 : 18:56:23

Lucian, do you need to rent/borrow a trailer? This is David P. in Nashville (C-22 fleet), also a member of HYC. We're going to Monteagle next weekend, so I could probably bring the trailer if you need it. Perhaps rigging a harness around the end of the keel and using the genoa winches would enable you to raise it enough to get the boat onto a trailer. Mine is a C25 fin keel trailer, so the keel only needs to come up part way to get the boat on the trailer. I rented it to the fellow who brought his C25 to HYC a few months ago from N.C.
Email me directly through the club communication channels.

Edited by - dmpilc on 10/24/2009 18:58:14

Dave5041
Former Mainsheet Editor

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USA
3758 Posts

Response Posted - 10/24/2009 : 20:26:52

The fin trailer would be a great solution. The keel would only have to swing back a couple of feet to clear, and you could easily replace the cable on that trailer and relaunch to recover on your trailer.

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jerlim
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1484 Posts

Response Posted - 10/25/2009 : 18:28:32

If you must go w/ the diver, feed the cable down from the cabin, make the connection to the keel and then connect to the drum...I honestly don't understand how the cable failure did not cause the keel to swing and crack any of the trunk glass - you are a lucky guy!

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Notice: The advice given on this site is based upon individual or quoted experience, yours may differ.
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.