Swing keel swang once but is now not swung?

[Guest]

Howdy all, recently I bought an old Noelex 22 in need of a bit love, and have been slowly but surely tidying her up to get out on the water and give this sailing thingamajig a bit of a bash.

 

Feeling very proud having patched the hull and and stripped back then repainted the topside, I took it for a float test. Within a minute of being in the water a rusty looking water started, quickly at first, then slower and slower, coming in the boat around where the swing keel unit joins to the hull.

 

After avoiding a near heart attack thanks to prompt re-hydration (thank god for rum!) and realizing the boat wasn't going to sink after all, I attempted without joy to get the swing keel down - by releasing the tension on the winch. It felt like there must be a locking pin somewhere, but nothing is visible (painted over and hidden?)

 

How worried should I be about the leak? I'm concerned its not really suitable for a weekender if its going to fill up overnight.

 

Where would you start with a 'seized' swing keel? I'm tempted to try and knock it down with a sledge hammer (after removing the rollers underneath it from the trailer!) but not convinced I'm not missing the point (locking pin?) somewhere.

 

If it is properly buggered I guess the complete unit has to come out. Has anyone done this sort of thing before? any wise words to help out someone with a habit of re-inventing the wheel? (and depending on rum intake its not always round!)

[Don 0]

I’ve been helping my son do up one as well. Thecentre board is 110kg of steel lined with what looks like fibreglass which on this one is lifting on the edges   I think your one probably has done the same ,jamming it in place. Take the top off the case and hit the top of the board with a sledgehammer (and punch)

   Yes this one leaks as well but nothing a bailer won’t fix. Have fun

   Don