Swing Keel Advice please

[jm1costley]

I just bought an '88 Nimble 20 that was only being used on fresh water in-land lakes. I am currently preparing it for a new bottom for salt water and need to address the keel which is actuated by a nylon rope which I would like to inspect further because it show signs of age and chaffing. This line runs from the keel through a tube into the cockpit just below the companion way. The hull has an inside liner and the keel trunk has 5 covers on it 2 small ones in-line aft, 2 large fwd, and one on top. I am guessing the aft covers will reveal a sheave that the line runs through and the fwd covers will reveal the keel pin. The top cover is either incoincidental or facilitates replacing the line, as I can see it has been removed before. It would be nice to get some feed back on this before I just start tearing into it and find myself doing something that I shouldn't have. I have tried emailing Nimble Boat Works but never received a reply. Your comments will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks
Mike

[AllThumbs]

Welcome to sailnet.

You are lucky to have so many access points for inspection. Most trailerables need to be on a hoist to inspect the centerboard and it's hardware from below. I don't know the boat but I would remove all access covers and see what you have. Take pictures and post here if you still have questions.

Eric