26S Swing Keel Cable Break

[Saxacussionist]

We just got back from sailing the Apostle Islands in Lake Superior for 2 weeks without a single issue. While launching the boat at my home marina the swing keel apparently struck something as I was backing away from the ramp. I felt some resistance then heard a snap, followed by the sound of the keel fully lowering. I Inspected the cable and apparently it broke at the keel. Can anyone tell me how it is attached to the keel? I assume I need to have the boat lifted it order to repair it and want to be prepared with the proper parts and tools as they are charging by the hour for the lift.

Thanks in advance!

Brad

[Captain_Kirk]

I can't speak on the 26S specifically, but I know how it is all connected on a Venture 2-24.

The keel cable comes down from the boat and is crimped around a stainless steel eye thimble. Then the keel cable is attached to the keel with two metal plates with two holes near the ends. One set of the holes is to go through the metal plate, through the eye thimble, and through the other metal plate. The other pair of holes attach to the keel. A bolt will go through the metal, through the keel, and through the other plate. I'm not sure what type of cable you have to buy. I know it's around 11' in length to keep a few wraps around the winch at all times and then the diameter is either 5/16" or 3/16" I can't remember, but you can just measure the cable left on the winch for that.

Here are some pictures of my old keel cable:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/99060202@N06/9307380207/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/99060202@N06/9307412447/

I imagine the set up can't be too much different on the 26S, but I could be wrong.

[cruiser]

These are not my photos. However, I turst that in the spirit of helping each other the original photographer will not mind me posting these.

The first picture shows the centreboard dimensions and location of the cable attachment point:


The second picture shows the detail of the attachment point. About a 1" hole sits near the leading edge of the centreboard (about 1" away from the edge from memory) and the keel wire pokes through a small hole in the leading edge to the inside of the hole. The wire is secured with a small bolt through the wire thimble on the end of the wire - this diagram says 1/4" x 3/4" hex head and that sounds about right and it has a nex nut plus a lock nut on it. In order to access the bolt and the timble, plugs (from memory) can be prized off the access hole - I think from memory mine may have been just set in with mastic - can't quite remember.


Here is a photo of the under sink area for good measure:

[Saxacussionist]

Thanks to both Captain Kirk and Cruiser for the excellent descriptions and photos. I believe mine is as Cruiser describes, however, I don't think I can access it from under the sink. That must be a newer model than mine. Now that I am fairly sure I won't mess anything up, I will remove the old cable as well as the plastic tube to see exactly where it broke and if I can find those access ports you mentioned. I had a friend recommend that I use a length of line to run under the boat an up both sides. Starting from the bow, run the line under the hull until it contacts the extended keel then pull up and aft as it forces the keel up into the retracted position and secure the line to keep it there. If I am able to do that and the access holes are there, perhaps I can replace the cable without having to have the boat lifted. I have ordered a cable kit from Blue Water Yachts ($30). After it arrives, I'll let this group know if I was successful so others will be able to do the same.

Thanks again!

Brad

[Captain_Kirk]

I've heard of others doing a similar operation in order to get the boat back on the trailer after having the keel cable break. If you know anyone that scuba dives that would be a perfect task for them to just swim under and reattach a cable for you. Using the line to bring it back up into the boat sounds like an awfully painful task to undergo.

When you get your keel cable would you mind telling me the diameter of it? I called them once and the lady I talked to didn't know.

[bjmason737]

I recently had my 1974 Mac 25 cable break, I was able to get it back on the trailer by just taking my time and reeling it in slowly since the keel (600+ pounds) pivoted up with no problem. Once back home I was able to crawl under the boat while it was on the trailer and there is enough room for my hand to reach up and fix the issue since the keel was not all the way back in its pocket. Amazing what I was able to do once I had it out of the water and on the trailer. Hope this helps.

[Saxacussionist]

I've heard of others doing a similar operation in order to get the boat back on the trailer after having the keel cable break. If you know anyone that scuba dives that would be a perfect task for them to just swim under and reattach a cable for you. Using the line to bring it back up into the boat sounds like an awfully painful task to undergo.

When you get your keel cable would you mind telling me the diameter of it? I called them once and the lady I talked to didn't know.

I scuba dive and I've though about that option. It sure would be a LOT less expensive... I will probably go that route if I can't find someone who will lift the boat and allow me to both fix the cable and paint the keel.

Yes, I will definitely let you know the diameter of the new cable.

Brad

[Saxacussionist]

I recently had my 1974 Mac 25 cable break, I was able to get it back on the trailer by just taking my time and reeling it in slowly since the keel (600+ pounds) pivoted up with no problem. Once back home I was able to crawl under the boat while it was on the trailer and there is enough room for my hand to reach up and fix the issue since the keel was not all the way back in its pocket. Amazing what I was able to do once I had it out of the water and on the trailer. Hope this helps.

BJ - Did you have to jack the boat up off the trailer at all? I tried doing that when painting the bottom in order to paint the keel, however, I couldn't get it any higher than 4" which wasn't enough...

Thanks,

Brad

[bjmason737]

No I am able to reach up between the keel and the pocket while laying on the ground under the trailer. Just got under it again yesterday to inspect the bolt that holds the cable to the keel with no problem. Mine is a Venture 25 and it was built in 1974 so yours may be different.

[Captain_Kirk]

I scuba dive and I've though about that option. It sure would be a LOT less expensive... I will probably go that route if I can't find someone who will lift the boat and allow me to both fix the cable and paint the keel.

Yes, I will definitely let you know the diameter of the new cable.
Brad

I'd do it if I was you, might as well used your scuba training, plus renting a tank and maybe a BCD if you don't have one would definitely be a lot easier I think. Maybe the local dive shop has an hourly rate on rental gear. If mine breaks I'll be diving to fix it, I don't get much dive time around here so any excuse. ha

No I am able to reach up between the keel and the pocket while laying on the ground under the trailer. Just got under it again yesterday to inspect the bolt that holds the cable to the keel with no problem. Mine is a Venture 25 and it was built in 1974 so yours may be different.

I think the assembly on the 26S is a lot different from ours, I have a Venture 2-24, and the diagram looks nothing like mine. I had to remove the keel bolt from my keel in order to replace the keel cable and winch. In order to gain access to mine I got a few blocks of wood, put a piece of plywood against my boat, and jacked the stern up so the keel came out a little, but still laid on the trailer. I had to jack it up around 5-6" to gain access to the bolt, but it wasn't too bad.

[Saxacussionist]

I've heard of others doing a similar operation in order to get the boat back on the trailer after having the keel cable break. If you know anyone that scuba dives that would be a perfect task for them to just swim under and reattach a cable for you. Using the line to bring it back up into the boat sounds like an awfully painful task to undergo.

When you get your keel cable would you mind telling me the diameter of it? I called them once and the lady I talked to didn't know.

Hi Captain Kirk,

I received the parts for my swing keel today. The Stainless Steel cable was 1/8" or 3.175 mm. Hope that helps...

[Captain_Kirk]

I've heard of others doing a similar operation in order to get the boat back on the trailer after having the keel cable break. If you know anyone that scuba dives that would be a perfect task for them to just swim under and reattach a cable for you. Using the line to bring it back up into the boat sounds like an awfully painful task to undergo.

When you get your keel cable would you mind telling me the diameter of it? I called them once and the lady I talked to didn't know.

Hi Captain Kirk,

I received the parts for my swing keel today. The Stainless Steel cable was 1/8" or 3.175 mm. Hope that helps...

Awesome, thanks for getting back to me on that. I bought a 3/16" cable as a replacement for the old rusted one so I just wanted to make sure the size was at least the same or bigger than Blue Water supplies as a replacement. I wasn't sure if the old one was the appropriate size or not.

[Saxacussionist]

I've heard of others doing a similar operation in order to get the boat back on the trailer after having the keel cable break. If you know anyone that scuba dives that would be a perfect task for them to just swim under and reattach a cable for you. Using the line to bring it back up into the boat sounds like an awfully painful task to undergo.

When you get your keel cable would you mind telling me the diameter of it? I called them once and the lady I talked to didn't know.

Hi Captain Kirk,

I received the parts for my swing keel today. The Stainless Steel cable was 1/8" or 3.175 mm. Hope that helps...

Awesome, thanks for getting back to me on that. I bought a 3/16" cable as a replacement for the old rusted one so I just wanted to make sure the size was at least the same or bigger than Blue Water supplies as a replacement. I wasn't sure if the old one was the appropriate size or not.

Glad to help!

Just keep in mind, on the 26S the swing keel is very light weight. I have seen some posts that say it is in the neighborhood of 25 lbs or so. Your mileage may vary....

[Saxacussionist]

I'm finally sailing again! It was kind of an interesting experience. I had to motor up the Illinois River to the only TravelLift for miles. The lift sits on a flood levy at 30', the river level is 12', so the boat had to be lifted a total of 25' so the keel will clear! I show up and ask the guy running the lift what the procedure is. He tells me I need to motor over the straps then he will lift the boat up to ground level. Once at ground level I will need to step off the front of the boat to the ground to assist with the repair, then jump back on the boat, raise the keel and be lowered back to the water. Piece of cake right? What could possibly go wrong....? Now, I'm not generally afraid of heights. I used to fly aerobatics, I've jumped out of perfectly good airplanes riding a bedsheet to the ground, however, this one got me. It is a very creepy feeling standing on the deck of your boat riding up an elevator of old rusty cables and tired old band straps, but the most fun starts when they begin to move forward and the entire rig starts swinging...

After we were done with the repair (Which took a grand total of 5 min.) and he was lowering the boat to ground level so I could jump back on, I asked him how many people usually watch / help. He said I was the first - most can't stand to even watch.... I thanked him for the experience and lighter wallet, then happily motored out of the marina and raised my sails!

Sailing again!!