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frich
Captain

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USA
418 Posts

Initially Posted - 12/09/2003 : 12:21:02

Like to know if it is at all possible to install some type of inspection port so that the swing keel pivot bolts can be viewed without having to drop the keel?

If anyone has any ideas or has done this I would like to hear from them. Can something be fabricated within the keel trunk?

Have a great holiday everyone!!

Frank r
84 C25 SK

Edited by - on

Frank Hopper
Past Commodore

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Pitcairn Island
6776 Posts

Response Posted - 12/09/2003 : 13:55:54

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by frich
 Like to know if it is at all possible to install some type of inspection port so that the swing keel pivot bolts can be viewed without having to drop the keel?
Frank r
84 C25 SK
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">
IMO-no. You need the integrity of the area to support the pivot system.

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OJ
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
4382 Posts

Response Posted - 12/09/2003 : 15:04:35

Frank,
Can you see the threads of the four swing keel bolts from inside?
I admire your thoroughness Frank but if you use the correct grade bolts and secure them properly I think you'd be okay throughout a season. I give mine a quick look-see everytime I launch and retrieve.
Have never had an issue.

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frich
Captain

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USA
418 Posts

Response Posted - 12/09/2003 : 15:20:19

OJ

Do u mean that you drop your keel and inspect the bolts from the underside prior to launching? Its just that I have the boat for 3 years, have replaced the cable & turning ball, but have done nothing with the pivot bolts.

Am I worrying to much? I dont hear that catalina clunk while underway.

Thanks
Frank R

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Frank Hopper
Past Commodore

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Pitcairn Island
6776 Posts

Response Posted - 12/09/2003 : 15:23:10

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by OJ
 Frank,
Can you see the threads of the four swing keel bolts from inside?
I admire your thoroughness Frank but if you use the correct grade bolts and secure them properly I think you'd be okay throughout a season. I give mine a quick look-see everytime I launch and retrieve.
Have never had an issue.
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">
I spent a fair amount of time looking at my pin area while my bottom was being done.

It is easy to see if the keel pin bolts are up tight. It is not possible to visually inspect the condition of the threads or the condition of the pin and keel hole. You can wiggle it but I was suprised by the amount of play mine has and I have the retro fit nylon washers. The only way to really evaluate the "snugness" of the system is on a hoist with the keel down so the head is in place in the head trunk. It is only my guess but I cannot believe there is anything around the pin mount area but one heck of a lot of fiberglass. Otherwise I find it hard to believe the pin system would hold up. As such I cannot believe you could cut away anything to visually access the system without destroying the integrity of the system. MO

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Leon Sisson
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1893 Posts

Response Posted - 12/09/2003 : 18:42:29

Frank r & fhopper,

Re: "... I cannot believe there is anything around the pin mount area but one heck of a lot of fiberglass. ... I cannot believe you could cut away anything to visually access the system without destroying the integrity of the system."

Yes, this is very much the case. If you look under the forward dinette seat, you can see the huge lump of built up fiberglass supporting the port keel bearing. I replace the four swing keel bolts every couple of years when I do bottom maintenance and replace the keel cable.

If those swing keel bolts still keep you from getting a good night's sleep, you could add supplimental reinforcement in that area of the hull, but it's a lot of work to do so. I haven't heard of an epidemic of C-25 swing keel bolts failing, so long as they are replaced every few years. Contrary to the opinions of some, I have not found the C-25 swing keel system to be fragile. And I've subjected mine to stresses that few sane people would advocate. If you bounce it across a hard bottom in rough water for an extended time, you're courting serious damage, but I'd expect that to be true of any type of mass produced sailboat keel.

-- Leon Sisson

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OJ
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
4382 Posts

Response Posted - 12/09/2003 : 20:57:29

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by frich
 OJ

Do u mean that you drop your keel and inspect the bolts from the underside prior to launching? Its just that I have the boat for 3 years, have replaced the cable & turning ball, but have done nothing with the pivot bolts.

Am I worrying to much? I dont hear that catalina clunk while underway.
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

No, I don't remove the bolts to inspect them - I just look to make sure they're not backing out any. I don't think you're worrying too much - there's simply an easier way to check.

Edited by - on

steephen
Navigator

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100 Posts

Response Posted - 12/17/2003 : 20:56:10

I'd just remove the bolts one at a time and visually inspect or replace them. I myself worry more about where the cable fits into the swage than I do about four bolts shearing off at the same time, or even one at a time.
I have another keel question I am posting as a new topic.

"Little Wing" # 1667

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