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Catalina 25 Specific Forum

Question about my swing keel system

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djn
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1561 Posts

Initially Posted - 08/18/2006 : 11:44:00

Hi All, it seems the only thing I did not get into when I bought my boat is the swink keel. I will do the full rebuild this winter. But, I have a quesiton about it now. When I lower it and raise it, it is very clunky. The line seems to jump from side to side on the winch and I get big booms when every I am cranking. Is this normal? Cheers.

Dennis
No Boat
S.E. Michigan

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Ben
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1234 Posts

Response Posted - 08/18/2006 : 12:18:39

Hmmm...I don't think my swing keel ever felt clunky, nor did the line ever appear to jump from side to side, no big booms either.

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djn
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1561 Posts

Response Posted - 08/18/2006 : 12:52:47

Hi Ben, I am wondering if that little ball might be bad and causing problems. Cheers.

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stampeder
Master Marine Consultant

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1608 Posts

Response Posted - 08/18/2006 : 13:02:12

Sounds like it probably is your turning ball.Mine is quite smooth, I've not had a clunk or any jumping.
I'd say its time for a complete replacement of your swing keel replacable parts. CD sells the kits, complete with all the parts you'll need. When I ordered my kit over the phone, CD was very knowledgable and made what turned out to be some very good suggestions.

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Leon Sisson
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1893 Posts

Response Posted - 08/18/2006 : 14:42:18

Because the C-25 swing keel winch has no level wind mechanism, the turns of cable are left to settle in as best they can. This can result in some turns getting slightly pinched under others, and in turns suddenly slipping sideways to drop into a 'valley' among the earlier turns. When either of these sudden cable shifts occur, they can make a cable-crunching sound, and cause a disconcerting thump or shudder in the whole boat. Sort of a very minor version of what one might expect if a partially retracted swing keel were to strike a solid, steep, submerged obstacle (concrete rubble for example), ride up over it, and then drop back down on the other side.

I wouldn't expect much noise out of a damaged turning ball. I think it would just produce a little extra friction as it slowly gets sawed in two by the cable.

-- Leon Sisson

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djn
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1561 Posts

Response Posted - 08/20/2006 : 14:46:48

Thanks Leon, that sound right. In two and a half months the boat will be out of the water and I will rebuild the whole system then. I just didn't want to have a catastrophy before then. Cheers.

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Happy D
Admiral

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921 Posts

Response Posted - 08/20/2006 : 17:27:00

Dennis, I bought my cable and turning ball from the Catalina factory. They had the best price going of anybody. $58.00 including shipping.
I think that is where all the dealers get it anyway.
I think it was Leon who said you might be able to order the cable a little longer so it has a few extra wraps on the drum.

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djn
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1561 Posts

Response Posted - 08/20/2006 : 18:20:36

Hi Dan, do you know if I can change that while it is in the water or is it a dry dock job? Cheers.

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ClamBeach
Master Marine Consultant

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3072 Posts

Response Posted - 08/21/2006 : 09:14:41

>"When I lower it and raise it, it is very clunky. The line seems to jump from side to side on the winch "

This can be caused by continuing to crank the winch down after the keel is already at rest in the down position.

The inner wraps of the cable become 'loose' on the winch spool. When you raise the keel the next time, the heavy load on the outer wraps pulls the cable down into the inner layers and it gets trapped. This is a common problem on all cable winches... incuding the ones I've had on various trucks & jeeps.

When I install a new keel cable, I'm very careful to try and spool it on the drum as neatly as I can. One person under the boat holds the heaviest load they can on the cable with a pair of gloves and the other cranks and spools up in the cabin.

Last time around, this worked very well until I had my son lower the keel... and he kept on cranking well after it was down. Instant mess. Once the cable gets crossed up and pulled into the inner wraps, it can get pinched and frayed... like mine. So pay attention when the keel goes down. As soon as you see the cable start to go slack stop turning the handle.

>"do you know if I can change that while it is in the water..."

Removing the keel hose (which goes over the turning ball shaft) will cause the boat to sink. This job must be done with the boat out of the water. If the keel 'hose' and clamps look suspect in the slightest replace them too.

For what it's worth, I use waterproof 'propshaft' grease designed for outboard motors on the turning ball shaft. Doesn't wash off.

WOTAM is on the hard right now for her annual maintenance... I'll try and snap a few photos of how I go about these tasks.

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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.