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Catalina/Capri 25/250 Sailor's Forums

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Pivot Pin Inspection

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frich
Captain

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USA
418 Posts

Initially Posted - 11/01/2002 : 07:47:29

Ok I have looked over the catalina drawings and read all the past posts regarding the inspection of the pivot pin. However I am still not sure on how to do this.

I have my keel lowered so that replacement of the cable will be no problem, the aft end is resting on a block of wood, the boat is on the hard. Can I go ahead and remove the (4) bolts at the foward end to gain access to the keel trunk?

Must I support the bottom of the keel prior to removing these bolts?

Frank Rich
84 C25 SK

Edited by - on

Mike Vaccaro
1st Mate

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77 Posts

Response Posted - 11/01/2002 : 08:35:59

Dear Frank,

When you inspect the pin, check the hole in the keel for "wallowing." The pin is made of bronze (harder than cast iron), so unless there has been some corrosion, the pin will probably be in fine shape, even after lots of years. The primary concern in this are is the hole in the keel becoming elongated as the softer keel pivots about the harder pin. If the hole has become elongated, it should be bushed with stainless. There are several different techniques for this, but the most difficult part of the process is "truing" the hole in the keel (it weighs 1500 lbs and it's not a simple process to just set it in a drill press!). You can have a bushing turned at a machine shop to fit, or use a piece of appropriately dimensioned SS tubing, if it is available. The concern is that the hole is relatively close to the edge of the keel, and if the hole elongates too much, loss of the keel is possible.

Cheers,

Mike Vaccaro on the "Swoose"
84TR/SK #4707

Edited by - on

OJ
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
4382 Posts

Response Posted - 11/01/2002 : 12:24:59

Frank,
When discussing anything related to keel removal I tend to over explain for SAFETY sakes.

You said you've lowered the aft end of the keel onto a block of wood. Is the boat sitting on a trailer?

You most definitley have to place something under the forward end of the keel when removing the bolts - I use an automotive style hydraulic jack - with four casters which will prevent the jack from tipping over.
My boat is on a trailer when I work on the keel. I built a pair of triangular braces out of 2x4s and clamped them to the trailer frame - one on each side of the keel to keep it vertical.
With the jack supporting the forward end of the keel, you can remove the keel pin bolts and lower the keel just enough to remove the pin hardware.
There are a number of ways to correct this wear, however, I've been told by others that the bushing kit that used to be offered from Catalina did not work very well. I had the hole in the keel trued up and a new pin machined to match the new trued-up hole and the holes in the original "cups" that hold the pin.
Good luck and BE CAREFUL!

Edited by - on

frich
Captain

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USA
418 Posts

Response Posted - 11/01/2002 : 22:45:11

Thanks OJ
The boat is not on a trailer but is on blocks and stanchions. You said the magic words about supporting the keel!! I will pass on taking off the bolts and leave it to the marina people. I will however tackle the cable replacement,.

Thanks again
Frank

Frank,
When discussing anything related to keel removal I tend to over explain for SAFETY sakes.

You said you've lowered the aft end of the keel onto a block of wood. Is the boat sitting on a trailer?

You most definitley have to place something under the forward end of the keel when removing the bolts - I use an automotive style hydraulic jack - with four casters which will prevent the jack from tipping over.
My boat is on a trailer when I work on the keel. I built a pair of triangular braces out of 2x4s and clamped them to the trailer frame - one on each side of the keel to keep it vertical.
With the jack supporting the forward end of the keel, you can remove the keel pin bolts and lower the keel just enough to remove the pin hardware.
There are a number of ways to correct this wear, however, I've been told by others that the bushing kit that used to be offered from Catalina did not work very well. I had the hole in the keel trued up and a new pin machined to match the new trued-up hole and the holes in the original "cups" that hold the pin.
Good luck and BE CAREFUL!

[/quote]

Edited by - on

tgrass462
Deckhand

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USA
15 Posts

Response Posted - 11/06/2002 : 13:07:48

This is my first post ... I'm a Catalina 22 sailor - one with a swing keel. I'm here for two reasons ... one - I want a larger boat ... a Catalina 25 <img src=icon_smile_cool.gif border=0 align=middle> and two ... this forum is really good <img src=icon_smile_approve.gif border=0 align=middle>. I just wish one existed for the 22' community!

Anyway - regarding looking at the pivot pin - I've seen on this board the use of longer threaded rods to lower a swing keel. Would this approach work as a means to inspect and possibly replace the keel pin?

Thanks -

Tom Grass - 'Grasshopper'

Edited by - on

OJ
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
4382 Posts

Response Posted - 11/06/2002 : 20:34:56

<BLOCKQUOTE id=quote>quote:<hr height=1 noshade id=quote>
Anyway - regarding looking at the pivot pin - I've seen on this board the use of longer threaded rods to lower a swing keel. Would this approach work as a means to inspect and possibly replace the keel pin?
<hr height=1 noshade id=quote></BLOCKQUOTE id=quote>

You'll still need to rest the keel on something to pull the pin. I use a hydraulic jack to lower/raise the keel for pin access, that is after I brace the keel to make absolutely sure it stays vertical!

Edited by - on

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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.