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Catalina/Capri 25/250 Sailor's Forums

Catalina 25 Specific Forum

Dropped Keel

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michaelj
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132 Posts

Initially Posted - 02/06/2010 : 07:00:42

I asked this question in my thread about rusted keel bolts and now would like to ask a wider audience: does anyone know of an instance when a cast iron keel fell off of a Cat 25 (mine is a 1981) without something like a hard grounding, collision, or so forth? Thanks

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Steve Milby
Past Commodore

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USA
5895 Posts

Response Posted - 02/06/2010 : 07:39:40

I've never seen or heard of a C25 fixed keel falling off, but one or two of our members have posted photos of keel bolts that were so badly rusted that it appeared to be possible. My boat was only sailed in fresh water, and the original bolts were still good after >20 years. The problem seems to arise with salt water boats.

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sweetcraft
Admiral

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USA
816 Posts

Response Posted - 02/06/2010 : 08:42:43

There have been threads of cable breaking and causing hull damage with leaks. Salt water is the cause and maintenance with replacement of cable and fittings prevents incident. Swing keel is for easy launching and benefit of second chance to get off if grounded. CD has the replacement hardware. I have a 79.

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OJ
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
4382 Posts

Response Posted - 02/09/2010 : 07:46:30

For the sake of the wider audience . . . we're talking about a fin keel . . .

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michaelj
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132 Posts

Response Posted - 02/10/2010 : 14:21:18

Thanks, OJ. I should have been more specific.

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Bortiquai
1st Mate

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88 Posts

Response Posted - 02/15/2010 : 09:37:20

This is a question i've been asking since I got my 1980 25 two years ago. So far everyone i've showed it to (contractors, etc...) says don't worry about it. Easy for them to say. One friend said he had to take the keel off a Catalina 27 and after removing the blots, they had to drop the boat on it's keel using a TravelLift, and then take shifts hitting it with a sledge hammer until it finally came off.

Eventually, I'll probably sister at least a few of the bolts, but I can't pay someone a thousand dollars to do it. It's probably all for peace of mind really. I feel pretty confident the keel isn't going to suddenly disappear to the bottom of the ocean. During cleanings, I keep an eye out for any sign of failure along the seam.

This and my leaky windows are the projects i'm not looking forward to.

Edited by - Bortiquai on 02/15/2010 09:38:31

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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.