How I Supported the Swing Keel Pin on Skylark

Posted By: Tom Cannon, 2023A, Coupeville WA
Date: 4/22/08 10:46a.m.

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Here is a link to photos and comments describing how I added support for the swing keel pin on my 2023A. http://penncove.tripod.com/Skylark_Santana2023A Background: The original aluminum pin had been replaced with a stainless steel pin by the previous owner after it failed. The failure resulted in the top of the keel breaking through the starboard side wall of the trunk. While the stainless pin solved one problem, the use of lag screws to hold the pin in place was another weak link. One solution is to replace the screws with through bolts. The problem with this solution is the keel pin can't be removed without access to the nuts inside the ballast tank. In addition, the bolt and nut are exposed to the water in the ballast tank. If the boat is sailed in salt water, the bolt and nut will eventually fail. While my solution might be considered overkill, it is one way to solve the problem if you have to remove your sole to repair the ballast tank.