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mac 25 swing keel cable/winch replacement.
Posted: Fri May 31, 2013 8:21 pm
by Ryan
Do any of you wise and venerable sailors out there know the specs for the cable on the swing keel of the Mac 25? I tracked down the winch at Northern tool. However not sure about the cable ? the one on th old set up is trashed and I'm wondering if it is even the proper one ? I'm super excited to get our boat "Small Kine" back into
the water for summer. I would be most gratefull for any advice. Thanks, Ryan.
Re: mac 25 swing keel cable/winch replacement.
Posted: Tue Jun 04, 2013 5:00 am
by Nosnebjim
The winch is a special type of clutch winch. Make sure you have the right thing! You can order both the winch and the cable at BWY.
Re: mac 25 swing keel cable/winch replacement.
Posted: Tue Jun 04, 2013 8:07 am
by Bob McLellan
You'll need about 11 - 12 feet of stainless cable (Homedepot or Lowes) plus two copper sleeves and a stainless thimble. Also, I used a larger stainless fender washer to secure the thimble at the keel. While I got my winch at Northern Tool, the people at BWY can make sure you have everything you'll need. Your main problem may be finding a good way to crimp the copper sleeves. I understand that West Marine will allow customers to use their crimper.
Re: mac 25 swing keel cable/winch replacement.
Posted: Tue Jun 04, 2013 8:09 am
by Bob McLellan
By the way - the winch is called a BRAKE WINCH - do not get a trailer winch. The ones I saw were rated at 850 lbs or 1200 lbs. Since I overbuild everything I got the 1200 lb one. Either will work.
Re: mac 25 swing keel cable/winch replacement.
Posted: Thu Jun 06, 2013 12:04 am
by Ryan
thanks for the response guys. does anyone know the diameter of the cable that would be strong enough to do the job? would 15 feet be enough?Ryan.
Re: mac 25 swing keel cable/winch replacement.
Posted: Thu Jun 06, 2013 5:16 am
by THE CUSCUS
12 feet of 3/16" 7x19 SS wire is what you need.
Re: mac 25 swing keel cable/winch replacement.
Posted: Thu Jun 06, 2013 11:57 am
by Ryan
Thank you so much! Any tips for the install? I've never done it before. Ryan
Re: mac 25 swing keel cable/winch replacement.
Posted: Thu Jun 06, 2013 1:48 pm
by Bob McLellan
It is pretty easy if your keel will lower enough to get at the connection point where the thimble/bolt/washer are located. You may have to remove a cross member on the trailer or raise the boat. Have the thimble and crimp connections complete then attach and feed up through the bottom of the boat. Check that the rub bar that keeps the cable from slicing up the keel trunk is in acceptable condition and your cable is on the correct side of it. You may have to relocate the attachment holes to fit the new winch. I also added stainless fender washers on the top that were not originally used. One thing I wish I had explored before doing mine is the possibility of turning the winch so the handle would have been accessible from the cockpit.