May 15, 1978
3.5 Ballast
The keel of a MEGA is solid iron, cast to very close tolerances and treated with an anti-
corrosive coating. The keel gives the yacht stability and because of its foil shape, provides
a certain amount of 'lift' when the yacht is sailing to weather. The keel on your MEGA is
adjustable with an optional electrical winch and screw jack system. The winch will retract
the keel so that the bulb is almost flush against the bottom. In this position, the MEGA has
a draft of approximately two feet.
3.6 KEEL - WARNING
THIS KEEL IS VERY HEAVY. DO NOT ATTEMPT TO RAISE OR LOWER THE KEEL
WITH ANY DEVICE OR MECHANISM EXCEPT THE SCREW JACK PROVIDED BY
THE BUILDER. INSTALLATION AND REMOVAL OF THE SCREW JACK MUST BE
COMPLETED BY AN AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OF THE BUILDER.
FAILURE TO STRICTLY COMPLY WITH THESE REQUIREMENTS COULD RESULT
IN SERIOUS DAMAGE AND PERSONAL INJURY.
BUILDER DISCLAIMS ANY LIABILITY FOR PROPERTY DAMAGE OR PERSONAL
INJURY ARISING OUT OF OR RESULTING FROM ANY FAILURE TO STRICTLY
COMPLY WITH THESE REQUIREMENTS.
3.7 KEEL - EXCEPTION
In commissioning or decommissioning a MEGA without a screw jack, a travel lift may be
employed. To lower the keel the pins are removed and the hull is lifted slowly. The keel will
remain on the cradle or trailer. Continue lifting until the keel is fully extended. You are now
ready to launch. An individual should then go inside to pin and bolt the keel in the down
position.
In decommissioning, the keel pin and bolt are removed and the boat lifted carefully. Center
the keel on a trailer or cradle and slowly lower the boat. The keel will slide up into its trunk.
Leave the weight of the keel on the trailer or cradle. The keel is not to be pinned in this
position.
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