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Catalina/Capri 25/250 Sailor's Forums

Catalina 25 Specific Forum

Keel cable

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seabiscut
Deckhand

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USA
22 Posts

Initially Posted - 04/12/2010 : 05:40:39

Our Cable broke yesterday. It felt like I hit something, but I just did two cranks on wench to start it down and bang. It was a violent jolt, Then the cable was loose. My first of many questions is how do we load the boat on the trailer with the keel down.
Thank you
J Mower

Joan
SK/"Hau Kea" Ut

Edited by - on

Unsinkable2
Captain

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USA
273 Posts

Response Posted - 04/12/2010 : 06:21:23

I see you're in Utah - welcome to the forum! I'm slipped down at Utah Lake (Provo Harbor), there are a lot of other C 25's down there. Where's your boat?

You're going to want to check for damage around the keel pivot area, you'll definitely want to pull it out and check it over very carefully.

Look at the cable end and see if you can determine whether the cable broke, or if it was on the fitting at the keel. If you are in Utah Lake, its too murky and too cold this time of year to dive underneath and take a look.

I've read about similiar situations where a heavy duty line is lowered from the bow, reaching underneath the hull. The line is set to run 3 - 4 feet under the boat, then walked back until it catches the keel. The keel is then lifted up under the boat with the rope from both sides - pulled from the cockpit. I suppose you could use the winches to help, but you'd have to be careful pulling over the top edge of the deck.

Another option is to put the trailer far into the water, and then use the bow strap and outboard to pull the boat on. The roller on the back of the trailer will let the keel swing up into resting position on the trailer as the boat moves forward.

I'm sure someone on the forum has figured this out - just wait and see what the old salts with lots of forum posts by their names have to say...

Edited by - on

seabiscut
Deckhand

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USA
22 Posts

Response Posted - 04/12/2010 : 06:59:44

Hi: I am in Provo State Park. Hau Kea, we have the ski track and snowflakes on boat.
That is a great idea to pull it up around the cockpit. And as you know we have a deep ramp we could prob pull it on the trailer. I am going to keep my eyes on the forum all day.
joan

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Dave5041
Former Mainsheet Editor

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USA
3758 Posts

Response Posted - 04/12/2010 : 08:08:47

I broke a keel cable on a previous boat by hitting tree stumps in an unfamiliar shallow lake. I decided to get out of the lake after about a dozen thumps, but there was one more before I got the sails down and the cable went slack. Anyway, we did walk a line bridle aft to the winches and partially raised the keel and that was enough to get it on the trailer as the keel roller did push it up as we winched it with the bow strap. That keel weighed half as much as the C-25's. Use big dacron line to compensate for abrasion and the 1500 pounds. Don't try to get the keel completely up because you may pull the line aft and drop the keel again and you will want to know that you have made contact with the roller when you wench it onto the trailer. As the keel comes up, it will get progressively more difficult to winch, but easier for the roller to raise it. It isn't a pretty process, but it is manageable. You will have to have it lifted off to do the repair and check the trunk and pivot assembly. I think we would all like to know how many seasons you had on the cable. And incidentally, when I broke my cable we were signaled by a powerboater who had broken a shear pin on the stumps and we towed him in too and he helped us get her on the trailer, so take a couple of helpers with you. Be sure that trailer's winch strap or cable is in good condition - it isn't a tremendous strain, but it is more than usual

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seabiscut
Deckhand

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USA
22 Posts

Response Posted - 04/12/2010 : 09:02:27

We replaced the keel pin and cable 2yr ago, but not the lifting bracket. The boat was in the Sea of Cortez for 3yr before we put into our fresh water lake. This will be the last thing we should have to change out from being in salt water.
Our boat is a 1986 so I would guess that it is the original lift system. Thank you for the ideas. I will let you know how it turns out

Joan

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Dave5041
Former Mainsheet Editor

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USA
3758 Posts

Response Posted - 04/12/2010 : 17:14:05

I should add the improved approach in case the simple approach doesn't work, but I always try simple solutions first. Slide a 2 inch piece of swim noodle or other float to the middle of the lifting line and bend the line in half. Tie another 2 foot or so piece of line to both halves of the lifting line about 1 foot above the bend and weight it enough to sink the float. It will be harder to catch the keel properly, but the weighted line should catch on the bottom of the keel as the lifting line engages the leading edge and prevent it from riding up when you first apply tension and the keel is near vertical. Riding up ceases to be an issue as the keel pivots up.

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seabiscut
Deckhand

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USA
22 Posts

Response Posted - 04/21/2010 : 09:01:29

We got the boat out with no problem, using a come-a-long she went right on the trailer. The keel bolt broke, inspecting it it looked like it was affected by electron current, pitted looking.
Hau Kea is back in the water and all new lift kit and bolt. Ready for some fare winds.
Thanks to you guys for you help. I love this forum.
Joan

Edited by - on

pastmember
Master Marine Consultant

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2402 Posts

Response Posted - 04/21/2010 : 09:12:41

It is a good feeling when you know things are ship shape. Congratulations on a successful repair.

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Dave5041
Former Mainsheet Editor

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USA
3758 Posts

Response Posted - 04/21/2010 : 11:24:14

Good to hear and glad it went smoothly.

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triley
Captain

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USA
251 Posts

Response Posted - 04/24/2010 : 20:15:18

I like the name of your boat--- Snow----- or Snow White, if you like fairy tales. Glad you got the cable fixed. I replace mine tomorrow.

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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.