JOB ONE - THE KEEL

I purchased a 1982 Catalina 22 in Shreveport, Louisiana. I shall relate, at some later date, how I came across this boat. She was formally owned by a member of our local the Yacht Club. This is my second Catalina 22. I will relate my efforts to get her back into sail away condition. My first problem dealt with the swing keel. The keel is secured by four bolts. Her keel only had two. Replacing the missing bolts became job One.

Since, I was going to replace all four bolts, I needed to lower the keel and inspect the keel hangers. Caveat-Never undertake this repair alone. You need at least one person to help you. I wish I had taken my own advice. However, it all went well. Total time was approx. 10 hours. The tools: A three ton floor jack- A two ton trolley jack- various 2 by 4's-four- 4 stainless bolts with lock washers (see specs for bolts in Fleet 20 newsletter referred to herein)-Loctite 242. Because of my trailer configuration, I was able to get under the trailer to perform the work. I have included some photos. The diagram, at left, illustrates a cross section of the keel hanger assembly.

I got my 3 ton jack under the keel and unscrewed the two remaining port side bolts. Next, I slowly lowered the keel. I removed the entire keel hanger assembly to inspect for any additional issues. Seeing no additional issues, I replaced the screws and added lock washers. I tightened the bolts to 20 lbs. I will recheck this repair in two weeks. Then, I will add the loctite 242.

I got this ideas for this repair from a number of sources. Please refer to the Catalina Direct Forum. Next, see Catalina22/ Fleet 20. April 2006 newsletter. Their website is

http://c22pdx.org. Look under section titled : keel hangers and Pin If anyone has any suggestions or ideas, let me know. I will continue to increase my info in this area. Next Job- The Masthead-Replacing cracked sheves. Happy Sailing

Stan Best