Keel Rigging

[Chief]

I have been trying to figure out how or why the previous owner rigged
the keel running rigging. There is a turning block at the forward end
of the keel slot (inside the cockpit) with another block directly
below it. Neither of these are being used. The keel is difficult to
raise and lower with the present arrangement.

If anyone can help, I would love to try your setup.

[Richard Holm]

Chief,

I am having trouble understanding your description but attached is a
picture of my rig which is the original arrangement from JBW. There
should be a barrel knot where the tape is on the high end of the line (I
just haven't cut it off yet). A pull from there deploys the board. A
release of the clam cleat at the top of the board allows you to push it
forward to fold it up. Note the trip cleat the other end of the line
that provides a safety if the board hits bottom. The cleat at the top of
the trunk is for the red line that locks the board up when trailering.
The turning block at the front of the trunk is part of the trailering
rig. That may be where the confusion comes in.

Hope this helps.

Rick

If the attachment is too big let me know and I will compress it further.

[Kevin Tory]

Rick,

Thanks for the details and the picture. The previous owner did not have it
rigged this way. Your description definitely makes sense. My J18 has a strap
that lies across the top of the keel to keep it up when trailering. This
explains the two blocks not in use.

Thanks again for your help.

[Five Cubed Skipper]

My boat has a Velcro strap that keeps the board up when trailering
(Like #124- Chief's). Perhaps the former owner set it up that way, but
I don't even have the two extra blocks. I haven't bothered to look for
holes where used to be.

The breakaway cleat is a good idea, especially if you sail in
predominantly shallow waters. I don't have one and I split the top of
my board and bent/broke the original aluminum cam cleat by running
aground with the kite up and reaching at around 6 knots. A couple new
bolts, a new cam cleat, quick set epoxy and a c clamp got me back
screaming again after only a couple hours of repair time...

-Brian

[Rick Paullin]

I think JBW changed the centerboard rig after about fifty boats had
been built. The original boats had a plastic breakaway clip on the
board in case they ran aground. But it was a pain to find
replacements when they broke - too weak and they wouldn't hold under
load; too strong and the board would be damaged. We eventually
installed a breakaway cleat and moved the original turning block a
little farther aft on the centerboard trunk for more leverage.

The original velcro strap on the board was fine for storage, but it
didn't hold well when trailering long distances. We added a turning
block and cleat similar to the red line in the picture and now we use
that for trailering, in addition to the strap.

- Rick