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 Swing keel hard to lower??		  New Topic  Topic Locked
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Captnkev25
1st Mate

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USA
36 Posts
Initially Posted - 06/10/2011 :  05:19:21  Show Profile
Went out yesterday and had a real tough time lowering the keel. The winch,cable, turning ball and volcano tube were all replaced last month. It came up with no problem but when I was lowering it seemed a little tougher than usual. The cable does pass to the aft of the ball and is in the groove. It's all brand new so I don't know what the problem could be. Would a shot of sailcoat or grease on the winch help? I know not to grease the plate where the brake pads engage.Thanks for any replies.
Kevin (1984 C25 Standard Rig, Swing Keel, Traditional Interior)
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OJ
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
4382 Posts
Response Posted - 06/10/2011 :  05:51:09  Show Profile
This happened on a C25 at our marina. If I remember correctly a shaft and/or bushing were binding. Because of the load involved he didn't want to experiment with repairs so he replaced the winch. He may have sent the old one back to the factory for repair and kept it as a spare.
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Captnkev25
1st Mate

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USA
36 Posts
Response Posted - 06/10/2011 :  07:09:12  Show Profile
That's what I don't get. This is literally the fifth time the keel was lowered on the new winch!!! I ordered the correct replacement from Catalinadirect. I'm thinking maybe the old one was so worn that the brake disengaged more readily when cranking it down. It wasn't impossible it just took a little oomph when doing it one handed. Could it be the shims the PO epoxied on to prevent the keel wobble?
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OJ
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
4382 Posts
Response Posted - 06/10/2011 :  07:18:06  Show Profile
My friend had to exert quite a bit of oomph (two hands) to lower the keel - but that was with a 20+/- year old winch.

Shims where?
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pastmember
Master Marine Consultant

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2402 Posts
Response Posted - 06/10/2011 :  07:26:40  Show Profile
Mine always felt like a net zero load going down and a mild load coming up, mild enough that I never worried about who was "on the winch".
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Captnkev25
1st Mate

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USA
36 Posts
Response Posted - 06/10/2011 :  07:50:07  Show Profile
There are two thin disks epoxied on trailing edge of the keel up near the pivot bolt to reduce the bumping noise of the keel in the v notch while at anchor. I didn't have this problem last year though with the old winch. I'm hoping it's just a break in period for the new one. It comes up no problem but kind of sounds like it's rubbing a bit when lowering.
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Davy J
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1511 Posts
Response Posted - 06/10/2011 :  07:53:56  Show Profile
I replaced my winch a couple of months ago and it seems more difficult to lower the keel than the old one. I've thought about calling Fulton, but have not gotten around to it yet. Let us know if you find any info.
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Captnkev25
1st Mate

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USA
36 Posts
Response Posted - 06/10/2011 :  08:31:44  Show Profile
Will do Davy. As far as I can figure the winch is identical to the old one BUT my old easy to lower one was 27 years old so I'm sure it was good and broken in. I may contact Fulton myself I'll be sure to post what I find on here for you. I'm wondering if the braking system used to keep the keel from flying down just needs some breaking in. If you find a remedy please let me know and I'll do the same.
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dmpilc
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
4593 Posts
Response Posted - 06/10/2011 :  09:53:39  Show Profile
Try removing the keel trunk box cover and have someone listen closely while you lower the keel,or you listen while they lower it. If the anti-wobble pads are rubbing on the keel trunk, it should be fairly easy to hear as it goes down. You might also try observing the winch while someone else cranks the keel down. Matbe you can see (or hear) if there is binding in the winch.
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Dave5041
Former Mainsheet Editor

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USA
3758 Posts
Response Posted - 06/10/2011 :  15:15:49  Show Profile
If hard to turn is the problem, it has to be in the winch. If the keel is binding, the cable will slacken from a decreased load. All the winch does is control how fast the keel drops by its own weight. It may well be because the winch is new. I would check with Fulton and post here.
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WesAllen
Navigator

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USA
222 Posts
Response Posted - 06/10/2011 :  19:07:30  Show Profile
I have the same problem with the new winch that I bought from CD. It looks exactly like old one but cranks down very hard and makes a loud noise crancking down. I know it is not the keel because it worked perfect before the shaft went kapooy on the old winch.
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jerlim
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1484 Posts
Response Posted - 06/11/2011 :  01:36:51  Show Profile
great...we put a new winch on this spring, but have only gone out once so far but I didn't notice anything unusual. We're taking a week excursion next week, I'll be attentive to the winch. Thanks for the heads up!
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GaryB
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
4304 Posts
Response Posted - 06/11/2011 :  18:01:04  Show Profile
The winch and brake pads are designed to last for years. To me it would only be natural that it will be tight for awhile until the brake pads break in. If the pads were loose when new they would not hold in a few years when the winch got more wear on it. I'll bet it will loosen up when you get some wear on the brake pads.

Edit: <i>According to the instructions posted on the Fulton website you're supposed to keep the bushings oiled taking care not to get oil or grease on the brake pads as you mentioned. Can't imagine the bushings wouldn't have been oiled at the factory but you never know!</i>
Edited by - GaryB on 06/11/2011 20:06:58
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jerlim
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1484 Posts
Response Posted - 06/27/2011 :  15:02:18  Show Profile
We've been out a few times now, 3x the past few days , and the new keel winch operates fine. It's a little clunky, but not stiff when lowering, and raising is much smoother and easier - no doubt the longer handle adds some additional leverage...
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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.