keel plug for Cal21

[jshep]

Hi,
I have a 1974 Cal21 that I purchased used last year (1st boat). It is a trailer sailor and has a swing keel that protrudes through a slot (aka hole!) in the cockpit when on the trailer. When sailing the keel is lowered, but this leaves the slot open to to water below--which is slightly to very annoying depending on the chop.

There is a keel plug design on this page, but I was hoping to see some pictures and perhaps some input/comments regarding any experience with this design or other solutions. www3.sympatico.ca/sailpair/21stuff/21keel.html

Currently the boat has a very simple board that sits on top of the "hole". A bit of chop and it floats loose and bruises toesa dn ankles!

If I'm going to build something, I hope to learn from others' experience instead of prototyping for a year. I hope to get more water time and less maintenance time.

Thanks!
Johnny

[sailaway21]

Johnny,
I'm sorry I did not see this post sooner. I also have a Cal 21'. The keel plug design you have there is just what you need. Once installed you'll find that the footing you have will still fit over the keel well and, once the keel is lowered and the keeper in place, you'll be nice and dry.

When you make it up be sure to drill a hole to fit the bolt at the back of the keel well. It should stay in without that bolt being used but I did lose my first plug and wouldn't if I'd bolted it. I replaced my bolt with a better fitting one and use a wing nut to secure the plug.

Feel free to PM if you'd like.

[jshep]

Sailaway,
Thanks for the info. It's good to know that you have had good experiences with this design. I can't PM since I have less than 10 posts (what a pain!).

Do you have any high-res pictures of your keel plug that you could share?

Thanks.

[sailaway21]

Johnny,
Look here: http://www.cal21.com/