Swing keel clunking

[bprender]

I finally got my C-22 sailboat out in the gulf this week. I bought it and I havent really been able to use it because I've been fixing it up. When I was sleeping in the rougher waters, we had the swing keel down. You could hear it swinging side to side and banging against the boat. Is this normal? Does the swing keel sway from port to starboard and back on its pin, or should I be concerned? Thanks guys.

 

[flashback]

Re: Swing keel clunking

It would be nice if it didn't, but unfortunatly most of them do.. I have had some success at fastening some nylon guides at the lower edges of the trunk but these too, eventually wear down.. sometimes pulling the keel up about half way will stop it. give it a try and see...

 

[AaronG]

Re: Swing keel clunking

My MacGregor 22 was that way too. When I was docked, I always kept the keep up so I didn't have to hear it. I kept that boat in a slip and always regretted not getting a fixed keel boat.

 

[txswinner]

Re: Swing keel clunking

Nylon spacers may help, but make sure there is no damage or exceptional wear. Lose the keel you are in trouble.

 

[flashback]

Re: Swing keel clunking

Good point txswinner, he should check the pivot pin/bolt for wear, if it goes the keel goes...

 

[txswinner]

Re: Swing keel clunking

Yeah and sailing is not much fun without a keel.

 

[mabrodis]

Re: Swing keel clunking

Yeah and sailing is not much fun without a keel.

I think that's termed 'drifting'

"Where you guys headed to?" Oh, I think we're just gonna head downwind until, well, we meet the lee shore...

 

[sailhard]

Re: Swing keel clunking

My Macgregor 19 does this too. I noticed it seemed loose as hell when it was up on a sling for bottom paint. As if the pin was too small or holes were to big. Not nice and tight like a centerboard on a windsurfer.

I called up macgregor, and they said it was absolutely normal. Under load, the centerboard is designed to wedge itself against the inside of the slot for strength, and not to put pressure on the pin or holes in the centerboard.

They also said it's designed to be loose to avoid getting stuck in any position.

 

[mabrodis]

Re: Swing keel clunking

Good to know.

Did they admit the clunking could ever be a problem? I understand the idea of having it fairly free down there, but when rocking over waves or swells the clunk can get surprisingly loud and violent, atleast on my Clipper 21...

 

[srothfuss]

Re: Swing keel clunking

The 1/2" pin in my centerboard [swing keel] is made from alumium. I think some of the other Chrysler sail boats might be built the same. Over time, the aluminum can deteriorate with prolonged exposure to the salty water which might lead to some fun forms of clunking. Or in some cases a complete loss of centerboard pivot..

 

[ccarobene]

Re: Swing keel clunking

Your keelpin is probably worn but Catalina makes a kit to fix. check out Catalinadirect.com

 

[sailhard]

Re: Swing keel clunking

Good to know.

Did they admit the clunking could ever be a problem? I understand the idea of having it fairly free down there, but when rocking over waves or swells the clunk can get surprisingly loud and violent, atleast on my Clipper 21...

No they said it should not be a problem, BUT common sense tells me that all that bashing around will eventually wear something out... I'd be more worried about the cable breaking with age, and when I have to replace the cable,
I'll take a good look at the pivot pin/holes in the centerboard...

 

[Fla Keys Mac]

Re: Swing keel clunking

I'm a C-22 owner as well, and yes, we do have issues with our swing keels. The hole in the cast steel keel will wear oblong over time, apparently from mooring with the keel in the down position (other owners say it doesn't matter- up or down). Anyway, the pin is marine brass and the brass castings that attach it to the hull will wear as well. In the C-22 community, it is pretty well agreed that a keel that is "thumping" is pretty darned loose, and needs to be fixed, soon. The repair is to remove the 550 pound keel, have the hole bored out to accept a press fit bushing, and replace the pin and castings at the same time. Also, replace the winch cable and volcano turning ball at the other end. While you have the keel out doing this stuff, go ahead and add the inserts mentioned by others to keep the pin/bushing from wearing as bad by taking up the "slack" when the keel is down.
For more info, go to chipford.com and check out his website. There is an amazing bunch of advice there, and he has done most of it.