Is “a little bent keel” a potential issue?

[VandKoala]

Hello,
Want to buy my first boat, and there is a Rethana 27, good price, one year on shore. Not perfect, but decent.

I have noticed that her keel is a bit sideways and I have no idea if this is something to worry about?

Thank you for your advice!

 

[ylop]

is the keel bent or is she sitting squint in the cradle? I wouldn't buy a boat with a bent keel.

 

[UK-WOOZY]

looks like its sitting squint on the cradle, the pads are in different areas

 

[MoodySabre]

You have shown photos of the keel bolts and studs which are obviously new. Were they replaced following a repair? You need to find out why Before spending any money on a survey. No good answers - walk away.

 

[Wansworth]

As your first boat I recommend selecting a straightforward boat

 

[KevinV]

Very hard to tell from a wonky photo, but I'd be measuring that before proceeding - it certainly looks wonky in the photo. Combine that with new studs, different amounts of fouling between keel and hull next to it, and no (visible) sealant at the hull/ keel joint and (as @MoodySabre says) I'd be asking some serious questions.

 

[VandKoala]

You have shown photos of the keel bolts and studs which are obviously new. Were they replaced following a repair? You need to find out why Before spending any money on a survey. No good answers - walk away.

They say “current owner did not do any repairrs (in the last 4 years)… seems sketchy

 

[VandKoala]

looks like its sitting squint on the cradle, the pads are in different areas

The keel definitely not follow the centre line. Can it happen because of it sitting in cradle?

 

[VandKoala]

View attachment 159809
Very hard to tell from a wonky photo, but I'd be measuring that before proceeding - it certainly looks wonky in the photo. Combine that with new studs, different amounts of fouling between keel and hull next to it, and no (visible) sealant at the hull/ keel joint and (as @MoodySabre says) I'd be asking some serious questions.

4 people spent a lot of time walking around from all angles- it is not in center for sure… thank you for reply. It is not only me being “over suspicious”. I will step away from this boat

 

[dac31]

apparently the bow can twist after long periods of over tightened rigging. is the keel bent and/or the bow to confuse the eye.

 

[NormanS]

It looks squint to me. Also, I would be looking for something much more substantial than standard washers on the inside of the keelbolts. I would walk away.

 

[Chiara’s slave]

apparently the bow can twist after long periods of over tightened rigging. is the keel bent and/or the bow to confuse the eye.

And which is worse? Either way, there are many straight boats available to buy instead. Interesting answer though, who’s to say you haven’t called it right.

 

[johnalison]

The problem is not that the boat is bent but that it looks as if the sellers are.

 

[neil_s]

Don't buy it! There are hundreds of boats out there - look for one with no baggage, especially as your first boat.

 

[PetiteFleur]

My previous boat, a Jaguar 27 was like that but more accentuated. It did go better on one tack though, but I don't remember which one! Never had any problems with it and the surveyor didn't notice it when I bought it. The new owner didn't either even though it was ashore at the time. I suspect it was like it from new, no evidence of it moving - is the keel machined flat before fitting? - I very much doubt it...