Help me to understand Swingkeels

[fourlyons]

Originally Posted by Giro

I have a MacGregor 25 that is kept in a salt water slip. I never operate the swing keel wench as it is always in the down position.

Am I really doing the wrong thing? The boatyard manager says that it is okay, but I’m starting to get concerned.

I wish I had a swing keel wench, I have to raise the keel myself

If you keep the keel up when not sailing you will drastically reduce growth/fouling on the keel which improves it's effectiveness. I go years between having to repaint the swing keel (centerboard on my boat) and case.

[JoeRobertJr]

Originally Posted by fourlyons

If you keep the keel up when not sailing you will drastically reduce growth/fouling on the keel which improves it's effectiveness. I go years between having to repaint the swing keel (centerboard on my boat) and case.

I wonder if this is true for a swing keel. Your centerboard is mostly out of the water when raised, right? A raised swing keel is still mostly or even entirely underwater.

[fourlyons]

Originally Posted by JoeRobertJr

I wonder if this is true for a swing keel. Your centerboard is mostly out of the water when raised, right? A raised swing keel is still mostly or even entirely underwater.

No, not on my boat, all of the centerboard lives in the water fulltime. I don't know for sure of course, but I believe it's because it's dark in the case and there's always a little movement with the board.
I am not alone in saying this, others with daggerboards and centerboards say the same.