Lift Keel problem

[Roco]

New to this forum and relatively new to sailing. I just bought an Etap 22 (1982) as a starter/learner with a Lifting Keel in need of attention. I have tried to remove it without success. I've removed adjusting screw (lifting gears) and retaining bolt but the keel will not drop as I raise the boat. It's not jammed as I can move it back and forward a little but still won't exit hull. Any suggestions would be gratefully appreciated.

[Boulter]

Hi:

I am not familiar with your boat, but I have a Tanzer 22 with a cast iron keel and swing board. I had to block up the boat and attack between the surfaces to break up the corrosion before my board would come out. I used sawsall blades, chisels, and I forget what else to dig in there. I was lucky, it only took two hours. I had read tales of others hacking away for 24 hours.

Boulter