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Catalina/Capri 25/250 Sailor's Forums

Catalina 250 Specific Forum

Swing keel noise

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CJRoxs
Navigator

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USA
114 Posts

Initially Posted - 06/17/2013 : 12:40:19

This weekend I noticed a klunking sound coming from the keel. It seems to do this whenever the boat heels the opposite way. It isn't very bad, but any sound coming from the swing keel makes me take note. So that makes me ask if any of your boats do this?

S/V Lily
1995 Catalina 250WB
Honda 9.9 Four Stroke
RCYC
Portland, OR

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bear
Admiral

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USA
909 Posts

Response Posted - 06/17/2013 : 15:51:02

Ok,the klunking is coming from the centerboard, it is not a swing keel. More than likely the pivot pin needs to be shimmed again. Out of water job. Sometimes if you pull the centerboard up a little and to keep tension on the up haul line it will reduce the "klunking" for now. Not an uncommon issue on centerboard models.

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CJRoxs
Navigator

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USA
114 Posts

Response Posted - 06/17/2013 : 18:20:17

Swing keel, center board, I thought they were one in the same.

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John Russell
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
3444 Posts

Response Posted - 06/17/2013 : 19:10:26

Keels provide ballast. Centerboards don't. That's the fundamental difference. Centerboards reduce leeward travel and in the case of the 250 provide minimal ballast.

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CJRoxs
Navigator

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USA
114 Posts

Response Posted - 06/17/2013 : 19:40:36

That makes sense. Thanks.

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CJRoxs
Navigator

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USA
114 Posts

Response Posted - 06/18/2013 : 17:28:58

How hard is it to shim the center board?

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bear
Admiral

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USA
909 Posts

Response Posted - 06/18/2013 : 18:45:54

I've done it once. Your better off doing a search here. Boat out of water, on trailer, boat stands, sling. 4 bolts hold centerboard pivot pin. Centerboard weighs around 80-90 pds. While reshimming check up/down cable for condition, good time to install latest cable mod if not already done. Do a search here for specifics of job.

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Stinkpotter
Master Marine Consultant

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Djibouti
9080 Posts

Response Posted - 06/18/2013 : 19:14:34

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by bear
 ...Sometimes if you pull the centerboard up a little and to keep tension on the up haul line it will reduce the "klunking" for now...<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">When I first saw drawings of the C-250 centerboard overlayed on the wing keel, I suspected one of them was going to be a problem--the fully-dropped centerboard was centered quite a bit forward of the wing keel. Then in this forum, early WB owners complained of excessive weather helm and rounding up. Having sailed centerboarders for years, I suggested pulling the centeboard up (back) part-way to move its effective area aft... I think at least some WB owners now sail that way. I can't say that will reduce side-to-side motion and clunking, but it might be helpful in lightening your helm.

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bear
Admiral

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USA
909 Posts

Response Posted - 06/19/2013 : 04:20:03

I sail "Brandy" with the centerboard pulled about half way up/back. Marked with tape on uphaul line. Believe that and an IDA rudder really helped excessive weather helm and rounding up.

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CJRoxs
Navigator

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USA
114 Posts

Response Posted - 06/23/2013 : 20:45:10

So this weekend I realized that the center board is really clunking a lot. Is there a way I can temporarily shim it if I dive under it? I hope to just get it through the summer. I plan on having it pulled for maintenance this winter.

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bear
Admiral

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USA
909 Posts

Response Posted - 06/24/2013 : 05:15:25

Have you tried raising the centerboard while sailing or in limbo. I don't think this can be done temporary or permanent in water. This is only a one day job if someone has done it before and shims tools are ready to go.

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dubedoo
1st Mate

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68 Posts

Response Posted - 06/24/2013 : 08:28:55

I agree with Bear.....can't think of anything you could reasonably do under water to help the situation. Do you have or could you borrow a trailer for a C250 wb? As I recall when the boat is on my Trailrite trailer all I have to do is remove the 4 bolts for the bronze hanger and lower the front of the centerboard onto the centerboard bunk. Then add spacers/washers/shims (they get called different names) to the pin, lift the cb back up and reattach the bronze hanger. I realize that things don't always end up being as simple as they initially sound.....but if you did unbolt and drop the hanger you could also check the fitting of the pin in the cb. Is there a 1 inch id bushing in the cb that the pin fits through? Has it come loose? Is the pin deformed/worn? I've used the one public boat ramp off of marine drive. It's not too far from you is it? Per past posts on this subject (lots of good information) it will make life easier if you mark and note which bronze hanger comes off which side and you replace them the same way. Good luck!

Steve
C250 wb #702

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bear
Admiral

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USA
909 Posts

Response Posted - 06/24/2013 : 11:48:48

From trying this once, I found installing new bolts and cutting the heads off two of the old boats to help with alignment of the block. Using the bolts with the heads cut off works as alignment pins. This is a pretty tight fit going back together and you really could use another pair of hands. I don't believe there was anything special about the 4 bolts. Replaced them at local hardware store. JMTCW

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CJRoxs
Navigator

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USA
114 Posts

Response Posted - 06/24/2013 : 20:58:33

I have tried raising the centerboard but it doesn't help much. I do not have a trailer but if there are any Portland guys on here with one I would make it worth your help. The 42nd street ramp is very close but they are currently closed. I think they will have it open this next weekend.

Does anyone have any pictures of how the center board is installed? If I am reading the above right it sounds like there are 4 screws/bolts that hold the whole assembly in the hull. Correct?

Also, those who have seen this, is there any problem with waiting till this winter to fix this? I just don't want any unwanted wear.

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bear
Admiral

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USA
909 Posts

Response Posted - 06/25/2013 : 04:04:11

Correct, 4 bolts hold the whole centerboard, bearing. bearing cap to the boat. I guess it's your call on waiting till winter, how bothersome the clunking is, is your call. Have you searched the forum archives on this? Even on a trailer this is a tough job because of space requirements. I believe I jacked the nose of the boat up off the trailer to gain better access to the work area.

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daz
Deckhand

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New Zealand
7 Posts

Response Posted - 07/09/2013 : 11:26:32

i keep my 250 on a mooring .at rest with the board up it will klunk when there is wave action
when sailing it will klunk going downwind sometimes
on the wind not at all
to take the board out ,lifting the boat of the trailer is best,i jack up the trailer put a cradle fore and aft
lower the trailer and presto plenty of room to work
the 4 bolts and pivot pin are quite heavy construction and wont wear easily ,the plastic spacer/ washers are likely worn
i wouldnt hesitate to use the boat and address in the fall

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