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Catalina/Capri 25/250 Sailor's Forums

Catalina 25 Specific Forum

Failed Swing Keel Cable

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grcccw55
Deckhand

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USA
15 Posts

Initially Posted - 08/05/2016 : 11:59:46

If your keel raising system were to fail, does anyone have a proven way to easily raise and support keel to be able to get boat out of water for repairs? The weight of the keel is a real problem when trying to get boat out of water!

Ben
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1234 Posts

Response Posted - 08/05/2016 : 12:23:02

http://www.uline.com/Product/Detail/H-2464/Dock-Equipment/Ratchet-Tie-Downs-U-Hook-2-x-15-5000-lb-Capacity?pricode=WY575&gadtype=pla&id=H-2464&gclid=CNainvD-qs4CFYQAaQodEUkOtg&gclsrc=aw.ds

I think I read a possible way to do this is to get a long ratcheting trailer tie-down, (like the one in the link above) and starting from the bow, bring it under neath the boat like a giant jump rope. When you get to the swing keel, tighten it up, and slowly ratchet the swing keel back up. It might make sense to have a person with a swim mask under the boat (not under the keel), to make sure the strap is in a good position as the keel gets ratcheted up. I have never tried this before myself, but I think I read someone else from this forum make the suggestion. Be careful though, and best of luck with whatever solution you decide on.

Ben
Beneteau 361
Viking Kitty
Columbus, Ohio

Dave5041
Former Mainsheet Editor

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USA
3754 Posts

Response Posted - 08/05/2016 : 19:39:48

It would probably take 2 stages - a loop led aft to pull the keel as far aft (and less vertical) then another loop to winch it up. Another approach is to get the trailer deep enough so that winching the boat on will force the keel up enough to strap and winch it. Access to a lift out is the best solution.

Dave B. aboard Pearl
1982 TR/SK/Trad. #3399
Lake Erie/Florida Panhandle

OJ
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
4382 Posts

Response Posted - 08/06/2016 : 08:53:19

Then there's the hire a scuba diver (if available) routine - replacing the cable with the boat in the water.

1989 C25 TR/WK, #5822
1973 McVay Minuet 19
1975 Jester 12
1981 C25 SR/SK, #2428
1981 C22 SR/SK,
Tanzer 16
Sunfish

"There is nothing, absolutely nothing half so much worth doing as simply messing about in boats." Kenneth Grahame

Edited by - OJ on 08/06/2016 08:54:40

dmpilc
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
4593 Posts

Response Posted - 08/06/2016 : 15:46:45

By far, THE most important thing you do not want to happen is to try and raise the keel with a strap and have it slip releasing a partially raised, free-dropping keel. The fall would break the keel trunk and likely sink the boat.

DavidP
1975 C-22 SK #5459 "Shadowfax" Fleet 52
PO of 1984 C-25 SK/TR #4142 "Recess"
Percy Priest Yacht Club, Hamilton Creek Marina, Nashville, TN

Voyager
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
5231 Posts

Response Posted - 08/06/2016 : 19:58:17

This is so-o-o-o scary to me. I can't imagine why there's no backup cable or safety mechanism... !?!?!

Bruce Ross
Passage ~ SR-FK ~ C25 #5032

Port Captain � Milford, CT

Edited by - Voyager on 08/06/2016 19:59:51

jduck00
Captain

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USA
313 Posts

Response Posted - 08/07/2016 : 07:53:07

If you can get the trailer deep enough you can float the boat on the trailer. Its difficult, but I've been there before with a failed winch clutch. I could get mine up a little but it was mostly down. Used the trailer winch to drag the boat towards the trailer and then very slowly pulled the boat out. The boat settled on the bunks with the keel on the trailer. Took a couple of times to get it right. Having a diver attach a new cable would definitely be easier.

I wouldn't go with the strap idea for the same reasons above. If it free falls, it will be a bad day. Mine free fell after hitting rocks last year, and I ended up with a 6 week repair job. The glass stop on the keel trunk is only about 3/8" thick and doesn't do much against that much weight in free fall.

Jeremy Duck
The Lucky Duck
1980 SKSR Hull # 1850

dmpilc
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
4593 Posts

Response Posted - 08/07/2016 : 18:55:50

When we bought our C-25 and hauled it out for a bottom job, we used a fin keel trailer, but didn't know that I had not raised the swing keel enough to clear the back of the trailer. We got the boat out, but it took extra effort on the trailer winch to pull the boat all the way up to the bow stop. It is doable.

DavidP
1975 C-22 SK #5459 "Shadowfax" Fleet 52
PO of 1984 C-25 SK/TR #4142 "Recess"
Percy Priest Yacht Club, Hamilton Creek Marina, Nashville, TN

Sailynn
Navigator

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USA
178 Posts

Response Posted - 08/07/2016 : 19:18:01

As stated above if you use a sideways rope or strap with the correct lifting rate, it should be secured with a second line to keep it from slipping off when the keel starts raising. I've done this on my C22 but not a C25. Now that we are much older, I would opt for a diver if possible.

Lynn Buchanan
1988 C25 SR/WK #5777
Sailynn
Nevada City, CA

dmpilc
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
4593 Posts

Response Posted - 08/08/2016 : 10:11:21

Big difference in C22 and C25 keel weights, 550 vs 1,500 lbs. Stay safe, hire a diver!

DavidP
1975 C-22 SK #5459 "Shadowfax" Fleet 52
PO of 1984 C-25 SK/TR #4142 "Recess"
Percy Priest Yacht Club, Hamilton Creek Marina, Nashville, TN

grcccw55
Deckhand

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USA
15 Posts

Response Posted - 08/08/2016 : 17:42:42

Thanks for all of the advice guys and gals. Think I will go with the diver first and move on from there. I didn't think about the strap breaking, and I know that would be devastating. Don't want to add to the problems I already have!

Sam001
Vice Commodore

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USA
441 Posts

Response Posted - 08/10/2016 : 07:49:00

Good luck and be safe!

Capt Sam, USCG Master Near Coastal
Isle of Hope, GA. Charleston,SC. Lake Murray, SC.
Aboard Bobbin - 1982 Standard Rig-Swing Keel #2963 Dinette Model
"On a powerboat you are going somewhere....On a Sailboat you are Already There!" Capt Sam

http://my.boatus.com//memberPhotos/6315398_1_25502.jpg

islander
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
3992 Posts

Response Posted - 08/10/2016 : 08:29:58

I don't know if I would trust a diver who is not a mechanic and probably knows nothing about the lifting system of your boat..Throw in the less than perfect conditions that he would be working in like visibility,current or just dropping a part. Id take it to a marina and have it hauled. Shouldn't be a problem with the keel down if they accommodate full keel boats. Easy replacement when the boats in the slings. The cost of a diver and a short haul might be about the same.

Scott-"IMPULSE"87'C25/SR/WK/Din.#5688
Sailing out of Glen Cove,L.I Sound

Edited by - islander on 08/10/2016 08:36:09

offshoreaccount
1st Mate

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USA
71 Posts

Response Posted - 08/10/2016 : 16:49:58

Trick is to dive it yourself I guess.

Offshore Account, 1977 Hull #243. SR, SK

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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.