Keel Pin

Posted By: Robert Denton
Date: 4/11/08 4:26p.m.

Report: outside forum guidelines

In Response To: Santana 21 Keel Hinge Pin (Keay)

Hey, I've been doing the same thing. I am going to replace the cable within the next few weeks. When I do that I'll take lots of photo's. I'm not sure what year mine is, but its HN 773. If the weather holds this weekend I'll be painting the interior, and doing prep work for the keel job. The manual you have should show where to install an inspection port in the side of the keel well. As for moving the winch aft, I'm not sure. I agree with Glen, and thought about it a time or two. Then I settled for just dong the job right one time, and sailing for another fifteen years or so. I'll be taking a very close look at the full arangement, and may well modify a few things. For one, I plan to use UHMW sheet between the swing keel and the fixed part of the keel. The hinge pin is of great interest. I'm guessing that it too is steel. I may replace it with a very high grade tool steel, or maybe even stainless. I am not sure about electrolysis potential between stainless and carbon. The original keel bolts are galvanized. I'm replacing them with stainless steel. Pricey though. $45 for the bolts alone (discounted.) If you are intrested, mine are 3/4" NC X 2 1/2" flat heads.