....KEEL QUESTION
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LOUIS B HOLUB
- Admiral
- Posts: 1315
- Joined: Wed Oct 19, 2005 7:40 am
- Location: 1999 Mac-X, Nissan 50 HP, Kemah, TX, "Holub Boat"
....KEEL QUESTION
Im unable to determine if my KEEL is fully DOWN when sailing. I release the KEEL LINE, and it seems to travel about 12" or possibly 16". Does this seem about RIGHT ? This SHORT TRAVEL distance for the KEEL LINE seems wrong, but SAILING seems OKAY causing me to believe that much of the KEEL is DOWN. (Water is too cold to dive under the BOAT at this time) THANKS FOR ANY OPINIONs....(1999 Mac X)
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Beam's Reach
- First Officer
- Posts: 310
- Joined: Sun Feb 27, 2005 1:25 pm
- Location: North Bay, Ontario, Canada 97X, 50HP Mariner 4 Stroke
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Tom Root
- Captain
- Posts: 560
- Joined: Mon Jan 05, 2004 11:39 pm
- Sailboat: MacGregor 26X
- Location: Annville, PA. s/v-Great White, MacX4787A202,'09 Suzuki DF-50
It is down, and as was posted, it is a good idea to have two marks of differing colors, my 'Up' mark is green, and 'Down', is red.
If you ever want to check, just 'Floss' the keel, to ensure it is down all the way. Take a 3/8" + line start at the back with both bitter ends along the hull sides, run them up to the bow, and pull really hard. You can tie it around your waist also, face aft and lean back. At that point, see if the Keel line has moved, after you have realeased the floss line, if not, it is down. It of course will move slightly because while flossing, you are of course putting tension on it.
This can also be used to remove obstructions such as Kelp, on the C/B line itself, been there, done that!
Sometimes, in both directions to unsnag the keel.
The exact opposite in cases when your line to the keel has broken while underway, just approxamate mid point of keel in the 'UP' position while flossing towards the stern, tie it off tightly on the rails, saw that, haven't had to do it.....yet!
If you ever want to check, just 'Floss' the keel, to ensure it is down all the way. Take a 3/8" + line start at the back with both bitter ends along the hull sides, run them up to the bow, and pull really hard. You can tie it around your waist also, face aft and lean back. At that point, see if the Keel line has moved, after you have realeased the floss line, if not, it is down. It of course will move slightly because while flossing, you are of course putting tension on it.
This can also be used to remove obstructions such as Kelp, on the C/B line itself, been there, done that!
Sometimes, in both directions to unsnag the keel.The exact opposite in cases when your line to the keel has broken while underway, just approxamate mid point of keel in the 'UP' position while flossing towards the stern, tie it off tightly on the rails, saw that, haven't had to do it.....yet!
Last edited by Tom Root on Tue Nov 15, 2005 4:13 am, edited 1 time in total.
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Catigale
- Site Admin
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- Sailboat: MacGregor 26X
- Location: Admiral .............Catigale 2002X.......Lots of Harpoon Hobie 16 Skiffs....Island 17
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IMHO the importnat position to mark on the CB line is the first position when the board is exposed 'fully' but at minimium draft.
This is only about 3 inches of CB line down, I went underneath while one of my kids played with the line until we got it marked right.
I use this when docking as at low tide I have only about 3 feet of water to play with.
This is only about 3 inches of CB line down, I went underneath while one of my kids played with the line until we got it marked right.
I use this when docking as at low tide I have only about 3 feet of water to play with.