Swing Keel Pennant

ISLANDAH · #1 (**permalink**) 09-29-2006

Good day all,

I have a 22' Kells, with a 600lb retractable keel. The boat is on the hard, with keel removed for repair, paint, etc. The 10' pennant that was attached to the keel via what I believe is 3/8" wire cable, using a thimble to run though a hole in the back edge of the keel, and clamped back on itself.

The cable needs to be replaced, and the thimble has failed. The purchase of a new cable and thimble is not much of a problem. My question is in regard to the clamping (swage?) of the cable back on itself. How is this best performed, what tools will I need to perform this task, and where is a good source??

Thanks all for your help,

knothead · #2 (**permalink**) 09-29-2006

I'm pretty sure you meant to write 3/16" wire. 3/8" is really big. The easiest way to do this would be to have a rigger make up the wire for you. BTW it's called a nico-press. Usually a zinc coated copper sleeve.

Faster · #3 (**permalink**) 09-29-2006

Marine hardware stores that sell rigging parts may offer loan or rental of the swaging tool to do this job. It's not difficult, but for obvious reasons must be done correctly to avoid problems later on.

btrayfors · #4 (**permalink**) 09-29-2006

You're in Maine. Take it to Hamilton Marine and have them do the NicoPress for you. Or, buy a small NicoPress tool (works with a simple box wrench). Good thing to have on hand, anyway.

Bill

ISLANDAH · #5 (**permalink**) 09-29-2006

Ah, yes. 3/16". 8th, 16th, eh. Measure twice and all that...

Thanks all for the replies. I COULD take it to Hamilton, but was trying to avoid having to load the 600lbs into my Jeep and drive it for an hour each way. If a nicro-press tool can be had for relatively cheap, then that may be the way I go.

Thanks again all.

btrayfors · #6 (**permalink**) 09-29-2006

"...but was trying to avoid having to load the 600lbs into my Jeep"

Ah, yes. Sorry, I was thinking there was a thimble somewhere in this lashup!

The NicoPress tool which is large enough to handle 3/16" wire costs between $40-50. Swaging tools cost a lot more. Maybe someone near to you could loan you one? I carry both sizes of NicoPress tools aboard. Maybe some other cruisers nearby have one??

Good luck,

Bill