Swing Keel Access, Cable or Rope, Termination Type

[Ponk]

I purchased a 1998 26X a few years ago and in the first summer the cable to the swing keel released when I was under power in some larger waves. I put the boat on a lift and replaced the cable (which appeared to have been simply looped around a bolt through the keel) with a crimped terminal at the swing keel. That lasted maybe a year or so and I came to the boat one day and the cable had released from the boat again. I called BWY for a proper kit and the person on the phone said to just put in a rope. They said 16 feet of 1/4" marine rope is what they supply in their kit. So I bought 20' and went to the lift again. I had to drill out the hole slightly in the swing keel as 1/4" would not fit, but we got it through and tied a knot (if I remember correctly). Now, on the last two occasions I went to the boat the swing keel was stuck (wedged) in the upright position. One time I got it out by motoring around, but it is tough to get out of our moorage without the keel down, and my wife would just as soon stay at the dock than risk a panicky situation with the kids on the boat. Is their a way to put downward force on the keel from the inside? There are black plastic plates at the base of the pole in the cabin. Is there some way to push the keel down from there?
If the answer is no, I suppose I have 2 more questions to help me re-do this job for the last time?
1) Rope or Cable?
2) What is the best connection type at the keel?

And if you're still reading, lastly would you leave your keel down or up when moored (for several weeks at a time)? I checked another MacGregor at my Marina in Horseshoe Bay (Vancouver BC) and they had theirs down. Are they not concerned about barnacles?

Thanks in advance for all your thoughts.
Ken

[Wind Chime]

Hey Ponk,

We have a 2000X and have had the same issue of the keel getting stuck over the years. We have all rope as well and adjusted the knot, so now it just gets stuck when it fills up with eel grass or flotsam. 

There is no access to the keel from inside the boat, those black panels on the sole just cover the bolts for where the mast compression post are bolted to the bottom of the boat. We carry an 8' collapsible tent pole that we push down the compression post on deck where the mast step is. This pushes down the centerboard. 

ps,
I see you are in Horseshoe Bay, have you heard about or considered joining the MacGregor Yacht Club of B.C.? We have over 60 boats and one of the best things about the club, beside all the fun we have on cruises and at club nights, is sharing all of our mods and fixes to problems like the ones you are having.

[Ponk]

Thanks. That's a great idea. I will give it a try.
Regarding the MacGregor Yacht Club, have thought about it, but frankly with the two kids (7 and 3) it has been a struggle getting out on the boat, period.
I will check it out and see if I can get on a distribution list. It might mean be the reason to get out some weekend.
Thanks again,
Ken

[Three Gypsies]

I have a 2000 26X and replaced my keel line .
I ran 3/8 thru the hole and knotted it on the other side . it has worked fine in over 4,000 miles and mostly saltwater .