Beneteau 361 leaking keel bolt

[Jerry D]

The most rearward keel bolt was seeping water so per Beneteau instructions the bolt was removed, lathered in 5200, and reinstalled with a wet vac attempting to keep the hole clear of water while tightening. The weeping has stopped since we reinstalled the bolt. This is an external cast iron keel.

This is a new to me, always fresh water boat. The keel to hull seam appeared to be in good shape when she was launched this spring. The remaining 7 bolts are dry.

My debate is on what to do next. Beneteau recommended hauling ASAP. Several old timers said to go sail and deal with this upon seasonal haul out in October. One marina suggested removing the old sealing material and replacing with fresh was a sufficient repair. Another marina said dropping the keel for inspection was required.

Any opinions on what needs to be done?

 

[sailaboutvic]

I’m sure your going to get lots of view here I have a B361 now ,
my two penny is if Only one was weeping and now you have bed it back in with no Sign of leak ,
aslong as your sure you not hit any thing , I would just keep an eye on it and as long as it stay dry I wouldn’t worry too much .
you could pay a surveyor for his option .
im sure the boat yard who said to drop the keel would love to take you hard money from you .

 

[Concerto]

This article from the Westerly Wiki should apply to your Beneteau to stop the leak.

https://wiki.westerly-owners.co.uk/images/a/a9/Keel_Bolts.png