Drop Plate

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Craig Ritchie - Fri 18 Aug 2006 18:47:30 Hi All,

Just bought a Manta 19, great boat but one problem. On inspecting the pivot bolt on the drop plate the holes on the keel have excessive wear. There is only 4/5mm left at the bottom. Does anyone know what the material of the keel is to determine if welding is an option? I was also considering drilling a new hole. This will move the pivot point of the drop plate and not sure if by doing this the drop plate will clear the keel housing.......anyone tried it?

Thanks

Craig

Replies

Mark - Sat 19 Aug 2006 12:21:59 The keel is made of cast iron. This can be welded but you might have to find a specialist to do it.

I've not tried it but if you were to drill the pivot hole a little further back then you may have to 're-shape' the plate a lillte to make sure it will still rotate and drop - there isn't much clearance between the top of the plate and the hull so it may jam against the hull if the pivot is moed back.

Craig - Sun 20 Aug 2006 11:17:05 Mark,

Many thanks for the reply. If possible welding looks like the best option, failing that, I might drill a hole at the front of the keel and put a plate each side so I can keep the same pivot point.

Thanks
Craig