I am considering putting a stainless steel bushing in pivot bolt hole. put bushing in dry ice, slowly heat cast iron keel. insert bushing. This would help prevent wearing a bigger hole in pivot hole. Any thoughts?
Best suggestion for keel restoration. Drop keel, sandblast, repaint....This will also allow you to inspect condition of keel including pivot hole and lock bolt hole.
I removed the keel from my 1985 Mac 25. I didn't have access to sandblasting but I took the keel down to bare iron with an angle grinder. (Note: whichever way you do this, it is a VERY messy job. Make certain that you wear appropriate protective gear.) I then coated it with POR-15 followed by epoxy primer and bottom paint. I came out great. BUT be CAREFUL! That sucker is 625 lb. I know because mine fell over on me while I walked by...didn't touch it...it was off balance in the cradle. I was caught under it for 3 1/2 hours. Still not sure how it got out of balance but I must have made an error somewhere when I checked it in the cradle. Not telling you this to be off-putting but to be sure you are EXTRA careful should you decide to do the job yourself. Careful planning is necessary...AND...
don't work alone. Fortunately I still have my foot and leg but recovery was a bear.
