Swing-Keel Lock Down Bolt
By Dale Mack
November 6, 2001

Where To Find It.  On my 1987 C22, the keel lock down bolt is located in the compartment beneath the forward dinette seat.  If you stick your head into the compartment and look at the keel trunk, you should be able to see the lock down bolt.

My practice is to use the bolt whenever the keel is down.  I slowly screw the bolt in until it presses firmly against the keel.  A visual inspection on my boat shows that the end of the bolt physically makes contact with the keel.  I've mistakenly retracted the keel a couple of times when the bolt was engaged, and the keel has a scare where the paint was removed.

To Lock or Not to Lock.  From following the C22 email discussion group, I've learned that there is no consensus on the use of this simple device.  One camp recommends that the bolt should never be used because of its potential to crack the keel trunk in the event of a grounding, while the other camp argues that the boat's self-righting ability after a knockdown depends the the bolt preventing the keel from retracting.  With each camp citing actual instances that help reinforce their point of view, it's difficult for a boat owner to know what to do.  My boat came from the manufacture with a sign mounted next to the keel-winch that reads "Keel Must Be Locked In Down Position When Sailing."

Stopping the Leak.  Until I started coating the threads of the bolt with a waterproof marine grease, I used to experience a slight leak through the threads of the bolt.  Since using the grease, the compartment has remained dry.   As a part of my regular maintenance, I completely remove the bolt, clean off the old grease, and reapply new grease.

How's It Shaped.  The lock down bolt on my 1987 C22 is a three inch bolt with a handle.  The handle can slide back and forth through the end of the bolt, which aids using the bolt in the tight confines of a 1987 model where the seat of the dinette meets the back.