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Looking for Info on lowering the Swing Keel

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sodonnell
1st Mate

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76 Posts

Initially Posted - 01/06/2006 : 21:35:16

I seem to remember seeing a post (here I think) where someone used long threaded rods the same size as the keel bolts (replacing each bolt one at a time)to lower the keel for work.
Can anyone point me to info on this.
I've searched for an hour now and can't find anything.

Edited by - on

Frank Hopper
Past Commodore

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Pitcairn Island
6776 Posts

Response Posted - 01/06/2006 : 21:56:18

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sodonnell
1st Mate

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76 Posts

Response Posted - 01/06/2006 : 23:30:12

Am I imagining it or did I find it here?

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sodonnell
1st Mate

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76 Posts

Response Posted - 01/06/2006 : 23:46:54

Just found it on your home page.
Thanks.
Any gotchas with this method. I see you put together a vertical support for the keel.
Did you need a jack to give lift to the keel when you reinstalled it?

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dlucier
Master Marine Consultant

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Virgin Islands (United Kingdom)
7583 Posts

Response Posted - 01/07/2006 : 10:52:09

How long does it take to raise/lower the keel using this technique?

With four loooong threads and being only able to make half turns with the wrench, I'm thinking this takes a fair amount of time. Does it?

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ClamBeach
Master Marine Consultant

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3072 Posts

Response Posted - 01/07/2006 : 11:59:01

I have also done this in the past... using a slight variation on the technique shown.

I used jacks to lower the keel and also to raise it back up most of the way. I only used the threaded rod technique to bring the keel hinge into it's final position. (maybe the last 8") so my all-thread was a lot shorter.

I had first tried lifting the keel all the way with the jacks. Positioning with them got the keel very, very close, but it was just too difficult to get it into the rather exact alignment needed without the all-thread. My keel bolts are slightly mis-aligned and due to that the recesses in the casting don't offer a lot of wiggle room. Your boat may vary.

I was doing it 'solo' too, and having a competent helper might have made the difference.

Doing a hybrid lift was pretty quick. The preparation (cribbing, blocking, pads etc) by far takes the bulk of the time and is in fact the most important part of the job. The jack lift itself only took a few minutes, and the last part with the all-thread maybe 10 minutes.

Good cribbing (Frank's is beautiful) is critical for both safety and succeess. Be sure to block the aft end of the keel so it doesn't slide backwards. It's time consuming to get it positioned back forward to exactly the right spot. (don't ask how I know this).

The keel is heavy, nearly an ton heavy.

IMHO: If you aren't experienced or comfortable building cribbing, positioning jacks or otherwise workiing with somewhat dangerous stuff, get some competent help or hire it done.

Edited by - on

clayC
Navigator

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USA
207 Posts

Response Posted - 01/08/2006 : 14:21:10

Is there a successful way to slide the keel back to work on the keel trunk?

Clay C

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ClamBeach
Master Marine Consultant

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3072 Posts

Response Posted - 01/08/2006 : 15:28:53

"Is there a successful way to slide the keel back to work on the keel trunk? "

I have pondered that myself and I think it could be done. (needs tape measure analysis tho to keep clear of support points for the hull).

To do it in place, I would make a one piece cradle to catch the keel... lay down some planks on the trailer frame for slides. Use some hi-moly strips to reduce friction and a come-along to move it fore and aft. Would for sure block the trailer in place so it couldn't tip.

At a certain point, it would probably be easier to span the trailer with timbers, lift the boat clear, lower the keel onto the trailer (in cribbing) and move the trailer.

Dunno. Will probably be doing a full keel overhaul in a few months.

Edited by - on

Leon Sisson
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1889 Posts

Response Posted - 01/08/2006 : 15:44:31

To reinstall my swing keel after refurbishing, I blocked the trailer up and removed the axles. That left nothing between the keel trunk and the concrete.

-- Leon Sisson

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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.