Derek Lawler wrote:

Thanks a lot for all the creative ideas from a crew of sailors. If the keel
does come loose it only has a foot to fall onto a steel box girder running
lengthwise of the tandem trailer. The cable had been cut and the cable hole
enlarged to accept a large crowbar---next time a bigger sledge hammer. I
had tried to insert a hand saw to no avail---no room for it.
One thing I attempted was to drill and tap the trailing edge of the keel and
put in a ring bolt, hook it up to a "come along" secured to the trailer with
a snatch block and tighten it up so the downward force of the "come-along"
would keep on tension and at the same time beat on a steel rod aimed down
the cable hole on top of the keel.
I couldn't get a drill bit into the keel so I am going to try and grind off
enough rust (to bright metal) and use a tungsten tipped bit. I didn't think
a casting would be so hard to drill.
This method is just using brute force to move it and if that doesn't work I
will try some of the chemical/solvent or high pressure water jet methods
suggested. Thanks again.
Derek

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please keep us posted as to the progress you make. We are all interested!

paul oman
progressive epoxy polymers