mac 25 swing keel cable/winch replacement.

[Ryan]

Do any of you wise and venerable sailors out there know the specs for the cable on the swing keel of the Mac 25? I tracked down the winch at Northern tool. However not sure about the cable ? the one on th old set up is trashed and I'm wondering if it is even the proper one ? I'm super excited to get our boat "Small Kine" back into the water for summer. I would be most gratefull for any advice. Thanks, Ryan.

[Nosnebjim]

The winch is a special type of clutch winch. Make sure you have the right thing! You can order both the winch and the cable at BWY.

[Bob McLellan]

You'll need about 11 - 12 feet of stainless cable (Homedepot or Lowes) plus two copper sleeves and a stainless thimble. Also, I used a larger stainless fender washer to secure the thimble at the keel. While I got my winch at Northern Tool, the people at BWY can make sure you have everything you'll need. Your main problem may be finding a good way to crimp the copper sleeves. I understand that West Marine will allow customers to use their crimper.

[Bob McLellan]

By the way - the winch is called a BRAKE WINCH - do not get a trailer winch. The ones I saw were rated at 850 lbs or 1200 lbs. Since I overbuild everything I got the 1200 lb one. Either will work.

[Ryan]

thanks for the response guys. does anyone know the diameter of the cable that would be strong enough to do the job? would 15 feet be enough?Ryan.

[THE CUSCUS]

12 feet of 3/16" 7x19 SS wire is what you need.

[Ryan]

Thank you so much! Any tips for the install? I've never done it before. Ryan

[Bob McLellan]

It is pretty easy if your keel will lower enough to get at the connection point where the thimble/bolt/washer are located. You may have to remove a cross member on the trailer or raise the boat. Have the thimble and crimp connections complete then attach and feed up through the bottom of the boat. Check that the rub bar that keeps the cable from slicing up the keel trunk is in acceptable condition and your cable is on the correct side of it. You may have to relocate the attachment holes to fit the new winch. I also added stainless fender washers on the top that were not originally used. One thing I wish I had explored before doing mine is the possibility of turning the winch so the handle would have been accessible from the cockpit.