Swing Keel Bolts - Please ID in my V17 Photo

[mpmurray527]

Please identify the name and function of each of these bolts in my boat..... Top Left, Top Right, Bottom

All I know is that one bolt is the permanent pivot bolt, another is the locking bolt (to lock the keel in in down-most position).

My old and crude owner's manual doesn't clearly say.



THANKS!
Michael

[luis_sailing]

The orientation is strange from the image. Not sure about the others but the bolt with the wing nut should be the lock down bolt for the keel. Reason I say this is because you need to be able to remove that bolt when locking down the keel. Make sure it's snug but not super tight when sailing.

[mpmurray527]

Right side of picture is towards bow.

I was also thinking the wingnut (upper rt) is lock bolt. However, when I let the keel down, the small bolt hole in the keel does not quite align with the bolt hole in the fiberglass housing. That is, only the top half of the keel hole is seen (photo). Thus, I can not push the bolt through!

Therefore, wondering if it's the other bolt (upper left).

[Matty_M]

The upper left should hold a rubber bumper, the right is your locking bolt and the bottom is the pivot.
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Our Venture 222 Restoration Blog

[Hamin' X]

There is a possibility that the pivot bolt and/or the pivot hole in the keel have worn and that is what is causing the misalignment. I had that problem with my V17. The pivot bolt had been worn half way through.

~Rich

[mpmurray527]

Thanks Rich,

How did you replace your pivot bolt? I'm afraid to pull it out - and cause the keel to drop out!

michael

[Hamin' X]

I used a floor jack under the keel and a drift punch through the keel lock hole. Then, manipulated the winch line to line up the swing bolt hole.

~Rich

[rocketman28]

I need to replace the rubber washers, but I cannot at this time raise the boat to lower the keel to set the lock pin bolt. Can I just amply support the keel from below and use a drift pin as I drive the pivot bolt thru?