Espace 1100 Lifting keel problem

[marinella]

Hi all,

We've owned an Espace 1100 since last year, and have used it extensively since last year. The boat is fitted with a lifting keel, and has been working fine for the most part. A couple of weeks ago I noticed that the hydraulic pump was not lowering the keel when the release valve is opened. After a lot of messing around including diving over the side I've concluded that the keel is well and truly stuck in the retracted position.

I've tried putting a pole down the vent to see if I was able to give it a bit of a clout but unfortunately this did not work. Mainly because I was unable to centre the pole on the top of the keel, instead it seemed to slip down the side. I gave up as I didn't want to risk getting it stuck, thus creating another problem!

I believe that the keel arrangement is exactly the same as the Sun Fizz. Has anyone had this kind of problem and managed to solve it without lifting the boat out of the water?

Any help will be greatly appreciated.

Kind regards

Andy

[rene460]

Hi Andy, We have an so 30i with lifting keel. It is simply rope operated, but I assume many issues the same. Boat was supplied by Jeanneau with a tube/pole with a cross bar handle at one end and a notch at other end. Used for pushing down a stuck centreboard via the vent, for which we have a screw in connector with clear hose long enough to go above water line. Board is weighted so it only just sinks down and buoyancy makes it easy to lift. The notch prevents the lower end of the pole from slipping off the back of the board.

I think the good news is that your keel has worked until recently suggesting no great growth causing a jam. I suggest a notch at the lower end of your rod, and a firm but continuous push while you open the release valve.

We have only used ours once, but a maintained down pressure soon started the board moving . Once it started it continued down by itself. I cleated the rope with only a small
amount of slack so it did not go with a bang. Be ready to close your release valve whethe board starts moving.

I suggest that you do not bang the pole, as you risk spoiling the back of your centre board.
I assume that you have not run aground with the board down. If you did, you may have bent something and the slip may be your only answer.

Good luck, let us all know how you get on,
Rene460

[marinella]

Hi Rene,

Thank you for your suggestion of a pole with a notch in the end of it, it makes perfect sense now you suggest that! I'm keen to give it a go and will be cutting a V into the end shortly. The only pity is that the pole is now in my garage and I'm on the boat. Oh well will have another go next weekend, but failing that like you say it's a lift out job.

Thanks

Andy