I lost my swing keel, should have checked the bolt. So I need to replace it. spending a 1k isn't a possibility at the moment, so I'm looking at building one. I repaired the keel on my 26s, but it was fibre glass and already shaped. I'm not even sure what the keel on the 26x is made off. So does anyone have thoughts on molding/building a keel for a 26x. is it just crazy?
thank you for you input
bruce
Making a new rudder.
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Hamin' X
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- Sailboat: MacGregor 26X
- Location: Hermiston, OR-----------2001 26X DF-50 Suz---------------(Now Sold)
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Re: Making a new rudder.
1. The centerboard for the 26X is similar in design to that of the 26S. It is made of hollow fiberglass. It must be heavier than water, thus the hollow areas fill with water as it is lowered. If this were not so, then the board would float and could not be lowered.
2. I'm not sure which bolt you failed to check? The board pivots on a SS pin, not a bolt. This pin goes through a SS bracket and the centerboard and is suspended from a bolt that is part of that bracket and is bolted vertically into the "bilge", just aft of the compression pole. If this bolt is missing, then you need a bracket, pin and board.
3. If the board is completely gone, you will need to replace the line that raises it, as it should have still been attached to the board. If the line broke, you should replace it as well.
The total kit can be purchased from Blue Water Yachts. Blue Water Yachts
PS: You might want to update your profile to indicate which boat you have.
~Rich
2. I'm not sure which bolt you failed to check? The board pivots on a SS pin, not a bolt. This pin goes through a SS bracket and the centerboard and is suspended from a bolt that is part of that bracket and is bolted vertically into the "bilge", just aft of the compression pole. If this bolt is missing, then you need a bracket, pin and board.
3. If the board is completely gone, you will need to replace the line that raises it, as it should have still been attached to the board. If the line broke, you should replace it as well.
The total kit can be purchased from Blue Water Yachts. Blue Water Yachts
PS: You might want to update your profile to indicate which boat you have.
~Rich
Re: Making a new rudder.
The 26X has a swing centerboard. $599 with the standard rolled on Epoxy barrier coat finish, ready to put on bottom paint or use as is. For an additional $200 you can get it in the white polished gel coat. Boats older than the 26 Classic 1987 and older would have a Keel. The keel is made of lead, some painted, some had a fiberglass finish. These were heavy, about 400 lbs. If you loose the keel you will have to go to a foundry who can make you a new one and this will be very expensive not to mention that then you have to be able to deal with this heavy keel. We have these available. Cheryl Blue Water Yachts