The retractable-keel feature makes the Catalina 22 a very versatile sailboat. It has several important considerations associated with it.
CAUTION: Always crank the keel up and down slowly. Never force the crank handle when operating the retractablekeel. Before raising or lowering the keel, the “lock down bolt” (on the port side of the keel trunk beneath the forward dinette seat) must be in the off position; that is, backed off about 3/4 the way until it no longer rubs against the side of the keel. Attempting to raise or lower the keel while the “lock down bolt” is screwed in tight or only unscrewed part-way, may result in damage to the fiberglass keel housing.
The “lock down bolt” operates on a friction principle designed to prevent the keel from becoming severely damaged in the event of a collision with underwater obstructions. The “lock down bolt” should be kept heavily greased with a marine grease designed not to wash away in salt or fresh water. This grease will stop any slight leak through the threads of the bolt and, of course, prevent unsightly rusting of the bolt inside the forward dinette seat. Once the boat is in the water and after the keel has been fully lowered and “locked down” by tightening the bolt, a further 1/2 turn off the keel crank, which should eliminate humming in the keel cable while underway.
After a day’s sailing, release the “lock down bolt,” then crank the keel up slowly and feel and listen to it as it raises. At the first feel or sound of resistance to the cranking action, stop cranking immediately.
Never force the handle beyond normal pressure or you may damage the hull where the tip of the keel meets the fiberglass underneath the boat. Crank slowly and you’ll never have a problem.
You will note that the keel pivots on a bronze fitting recessed into the hull. Should the keel require to be removed at any time, this casting may be unbolted by removing the stainless steel cable and the four fixing bolts from the underside. Make sure that the keel is well supported before removing these fastenings.
You’ll face special problems if you decide to keep your retractable keel model in the water, especially salt water. Bottom paint is a must, plus periodic cleaning and removal of marine growth from the keel trunk slot. The possibility of corrosion to the keel and keel fittings is greatly increased. Keeping a retractable-keel model in salt water for lengthy periods is not recommended.
Should you decide to keep a retractable-keel model in the water at a slip or mooring, the following suggestions may help to extend the life of the keel assembly. First of all, the keel pivot pin is made of silicon-bronze, the hinge castings are of brass, and the keel itself is made of steel.
To retard electrolytic action which will “eat” away the metals, drill and tap the side of the keel (near the forward edge) as close to the keel pivot assembly as possible. Then attach a teardrop shaped “zinc.” Keeping the keel in the raised position will help prolong the life of the flexible stainless steel cable by keeping as much of it out of the water as possible. Replacement cables are available through the local dealer.
Paint the keel itself with rust retardant paint like the commercially available “Rust-o-leum” or zinc chromate paints. If you use a zinc chromate paint, you must strip the keel down to bare metal before painting.
Paint the keel and fiberglass bottom (including portion of rudder that is underwater) with a good quality “hard finish vinyl-based” bottom paint to protect the fiberglass gel coat and reduce fouling growth. The through-hull fittings are installed so that there is very little, if any, metal exposed to water to be acted upon.
Your local dealer may have additional suggestions relative to the particular area where you plan to keep the boat.