1972 V-21 Questions and progress

[wes1761]

Looking into my V-21 a bit more. I have had her out for a "shake down" sail and we loved it!

Had issues with the keel not dropping, not sure if its wedged or what? Thinking of taking a small bar with next outing to see if I can tap it loose from above...

Also trying to figure out the winches on the sides of the boat, as well as some hoops and such, it appears that its set for rigging to run through, but I am thinking its for the genoa? You can see the drum winches and such along the sides, there are also rope channels on either side along the companionway hatch....


have scraped, wiped with bleach water, and repainted the interior:
before:

After:


Have cut out a sewn 2 of the cushion covers so far. I have to make one of the bow cushions, was missing the starboard side. I am also using a Canvas Duck material, thinking of breathability and ease of drying should they get wet, will post pics asap..

Does anyone have a good pic or manual or something that will give me a good view of a fully rigged V-21? I have seeen a copy of the manual thats (I think) the original manual or info packet, but I was looking for details....

There is also a plywood disc mounted to starboard of the companionway door, any idea what was originally mounted there?

Thanks!

Wes

[Freedom77]

HI Wes. Where do you keep your boat. Disc on companionway was for insturment, compass, knotmeter? Keel issue. Older 21's keel, iron covered in fiberglass. Water would get inside of glass and iron would corrode making glass swell. Had same problem in our '71 V-222. Keel would jam in keel trunk. NO amount of pressure will get it down. Only solution, remove keel, remove old corroded glass and reglass. Pain the A..! Don't quite understand ?? about winches "hoops" etc. but I think your assessment about Genoa gear is correct. Boat looks to be in pretty good shape. Fair Winds and Full Sails....

[wes1761]

I have the boat in the driveway at the moment, but I can get a slot in a storage lot for $35 a month if need be (probably for winter).

The keel is glass wrapped iron, and there is alot of corrosion in there, so it looks like the keel is coming out, just have to figure out how to drop it while its on the trailer.

[Freedom77]

Sorry, but you can't drop keel while on the trailer. I've done it to all three of my Ventures. Keel on '25 weighs 700 lb +/-. Process is pretty simple. Check local codes so ya don't get in trouble with ordinances. Do you have a sideyard big enough? Make crib for stern. Oil drums work well crossed with 4x4's. Lift bow end and walk trailer out. If you have access to a heavy frame that is wider than the wheel wells and some hoists, great. You can also build hoist frame from 4/4's. Just make sure it's heavy enough. OR do you know someone with a forklift. If not use a pair of jacks and alernately jack up boat and walk trailer out from under boat. Crib up forward end of boat. Now for the fun part. Build a cradle with heavy casters so that you can drop the keel vertically. Use hydraulic jack. take pressure off keel bolt. Tap out keel bolt and lower on to cradle. Remove keel cable and roll keel into work area. repair glass and reverse process. Piece o' cake. If possible sleeve pivot bolt hole with stainless steel bushing. Any Questions let me know. Signed, the voice of experience. Fair Winds and full sails....

[wes1761]

I thought of jacking up the stern a tad while it was still on the trailer and seeing if it would come loose. I was under her today and it has to be stripped and reglassed for sure. Losts of cracked glass and rust.....

My side yard is a hill on both sides of the house, so that won't work out, but I can use either my parents or my driveway. They only have one car now and plenty of driveway space. I just need to figure out where to get access to the keel bolts from, I know its inside the cabin, but its been too hot to crawl in and dig around for them.

Thanks for the tips!! I obviously need them!! Gotta love being the new guy...

Wes

[Freedom77]

WE have all been the "New Guy" and thank goodness for the experience from the "Old Guys". The keel bolt should be under the hatch in the V=berth. Once you take the tension off the keel you should be able to tap out the pivot boat. Make sure you jack her up high enough to get the keel out from under. I was able to build a hoist frame, but 50 gal drums will work the other way. I used them when I pulled the keel on my V-222. When you replace pivot bolt make sure you caulk it well. Fair winds and full sails...