Beneteau First 29 keel

[Plevier]

I've just bought a 1985 Beneteau First 29 with retractable keel.
Unfortunately she has no documentation at all in terms of an owner's manual or maintenance notes. Does anyone know if a manual existed, if so can anyone supply me with a copy please, I'll pay for a photocopy if that's the easiest.
I'm particularly keen for information about the retractable keel. I've looked at the notes on the BOA website but they all relate to much newer boats and I'm not sure if this is quite the same.
The boat records show some quite expensive work on the keel in the past without much detail, but I'm having a problem with it sticking fully retracted (mud mooring) and would like to sort it ASAP! Other than that the boat is great.
Can anyone help me with keel info/advice please?
There are photos at http://picasaweb.google.com/wylde.m/SailingWillow3#
including the keel up as far as it goes on the winder (should it disappear completely?) and down.
Thanks for help.
Mike

 

[exfinnsailor]

Similar to our 323 .. Plate lifts into a keel that runs along the bottom of the boat .. Think you might find that its the mud being forced up under pressure that is causing it to stick .. Ours does if we go on the mud .. We have a block of wood on board and a club hammer .. /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif Usually frees it .. Read somewhere that they are not designed for mud births as their is no way to get the mud out after it has been forced in .. The winding system will be similar .. Very agricultural .. Very tough .. But mud always seems to win ..

 

[BAtoo]

Yes, I believe the keel should go all the way in; probably some mud or mrine life preventing it doing so. I'd get a pressure washer into it to start with - having covered the holes for the winder inside!! /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

Have you found this link? http://www.finot.com/bateaux/ancienbt/first/first29/first29.htm

Even the link to the English review works - hope you didnt pay £4.50 for your copy /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

Hope you have fun with her; I'm on my 2nd Bene and they are good boats for what most of us want.

 

[Plevier]

Thank you both and apologies for slow reply.
We did clean the slot when out for survey - obviously not well enough.
I've tried a lump hammer on the jacking screw but very gently - afraid of damaging the bronze nut or the attachment to the keel.
I think she's going to havet to come out of the water for investigation. :-(
Mike