MacGregorSailors.com

Wow! This is a 14 year old thread!

Removing the bolt and fixing the hole is a judgement call. Leave it for now and go sailing! You might get some water splashing through when sailed hard.

Henry

>>I also don't think its a good idea to leave the bolt in place and lower the keel against it. The bolt is too close to the fulcrum and the forces would be very high.

The boat designer stated otherwise in the owner's manual. Leaving the bolt out entirely means the keel can continue to pivot downward until the top side of the keel hits the keel trunk aft if the lift cable is loose. It's precisely because the downward forces are high that a hard stop above the pivot bolt is needed. The lock bolt provides that hard stop, whether it is inserted before or after the keel is lowered.

While drifting through this "ancient" thread, I noticed several references to a "quick release" type of bolt being used as a lockdown bolt by some folks.
However, no one mentioned where they acquired such a bolt nor any specifications for the bolt. The "original" type bolt, as I recall, is of 1/2 or 5/8 inch diameter.

Perhaps there is someone out there in Mac Land who can respond to my comments.

Fair winds,
Seadoc

Hi Seadoc!

If you’re ok with a steel one you might find what you are looking for in a Tractor Supply or other farm equipment supply store.
They generally have a variety of styles/types available or can get shipped in you what you want specifically.

Best Regards,
Over Easy