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Raising the swing keel

Posted: Mon Sep 02, 2019 10:28 am
by LNSailor
Newbie question...I picked up a Chrysler 26 for next to nothing. Need to trailer for some resto work. Which way do turn the crank to raise the keel? When I turn clockwise, there is resistance and it clicks, then it free turns counter clockwise to ready for the next clockwise rotation. Am I going in the right direction? How many half turns to raise it all the way up? Thanks in advance.

Re: Raising the swing keel

Posted: Mon Sep 02, 2019 2:49 pm
by brigadoon
Welcome to the forum!
The 26 is a great boat you should really enjoy. As far as raising the keel goes it doesn’t sound like you have the original winch. The stock winch turns clockwise to raise the keel and rotates fully 360 degrees . I don’t remember how many turns but unless the cable is severely frayed you will not break it by winding. Just stop when it feels like you hit the end. You may even hear a thunk when it is fully retracted and hits the inside top of the trunk. The original winch will use gravity and an automatic clutch brake to lower the keel. Once all the way down it will turn easily with no weight on the cable. Hope this helps. If it doesn’t try posting the question on the general discussion forum for more exposure .
Rick

Re: Raising the swing keel

Posted: Mon Sep 02, 2019 4:01 pm
by LNSailor
Thank you very much. I'll give it a go this week; raising the keel and dropping the mast for trailering on Saturday. Look forward to posting before and after photos...with much resto help from friends on the forum.

Re: Raising the swing keel

Posted: Tue Sep 03, 2019 9:14 am
by brigadoon
If you haven’t looked at the information on the forum showing how to raise and lower the mast useing bridals it’s worth checking out , it works very well.
RIck

Re: Raising the swing keel

Posted: Fri Sep 13, 2019 4:08 pm
by LNSailor
Many thanks. I'm unstepping the mast tomorrow and trailering for resto work.