Venture 23 swing keel

[Wooddoctor]

Hi Everyone, I just bought a Newport Venture 23 and I am very excited. I have read and heard a lot of good things about this little craft. My immediate concern is in the swing keel. It seems like most things are in good condition but I am always wary of the keels. I didn't pay much for the boat, figuring if there were any issues it would still be worthwhile for me... Has anyone removed one of these? is it easy? I am fairly mechanical but I would love to be able to talkto someone who has had some experience with these keels- I have noticed that some of the fiberglass around the keel bolt is out of sorts, as if the washer and bolt have , over time, worn out the area. Any thoughts? I have noticed this in all of the pics I have seen- even on other Verntures. How serious is this?

[Jamie79]

Did a quick search and found this, yahoo use to have a forum on the 23s, however I think it shut down. Congratulations on the boat their beautiful. Hope this helps, posts some pics.

http://homepage.mac.com/appleseed/VN23/ ... gbook.html

[Freedom77]

Have removed and refinished keels on all my Mac V-21, V-222 and V-25. It's labor intensive. Best way is to sink four 4x4 into the ground with cross supports and use hoists to lift off trailer and walk trailer from under boat. Build a platform, preferably with heavy wheels or casters so that the keel can be lowered and supported vertically. place jack under keel relieving pressure on pivot bolt. Tap out pivot bolt and lower keel onto platform. Fun part is manuevering keel around to paint it. Keep your toes out of the way. Piece O' cake Fair winds and full Sails....

[heinzir]

Did a quick search and found this, yahoo use to have a forum on the 23s, however I think it shut down. Congratulations on the boat their beautiful. Hope this helps, posts some pics.

http://homepage.mac.com/appleseed/VN23/ ... gbook.html

The Venture 23 forum on Yahoo is very much alive and well: http://www.groups.yahoo.com/group/venturenewport

Henry

[otiscj37]

Hi! I have fix many through the years. I still fix the ones, before the cast iron ones. Macgregor has the best of the swing keels out there. (the Catalina-22 has only 4 very small bolts holding there`s on, the Cat 25 is even worst). I like most of Rodger`s boats(I have 3 of them now) I can get it off with-out a crane. I put the nose of the trailer down as far as I can, then put something(I use 55gal. drums, with a board across them(put an old rug on-top). then jack the front of the trailer up, far enough to clear the keel(might take you 2 shots?) Make sure you have a jack under the front of the keel, so you can lower it down. Might take 2 of you to pull the keel out(but you just might not have to?(you might be able to take the bolt out, and look at it?.)(very easy job). When the hook everything back up, use some sealant so it will not leak. And I must add, you have the only boat, I would like better than my Macgregor 222!!!!!! they are great boats(I have been doing this for 65 years now). I have had them all! Happy Sailing, Capt.Tony