Keel Bolts

[uforea]

I have a UFO31 and this Winter I have to have her surveyed. Will I have to remove a keel bolt for the surveyor and if so how is it done. There are large nuts under the floor boards and the keel is lead.

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[sailorman]

u will have to have the hull/boat lifted from the keel
suggest u change insurer

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[tillergirl]

I've had my boat surveyed three times and the surveyor has not examined the keel bolts nor hav ethe insurance company asked for one to be withdrawn. On the other hand, I did withdraw a couple ten years ago and replaced them even though they were fine (cos the cost is in the removing and refitting rather than the cost of the bolt)

I think there are three possibilities for keel bolt arrangements though others will soon add to this if I'm wrong.

1. A bolt all the way through the keel, head hidden in the bottome of the keel. removal is basically to drive the bolt out from inside so you need a space equal to the length of the bolt so it can be dropped clear. no one instrument for this is a v large hammer.

2. Studs set in the keel. Don't think they did this with lead as the stud has to screw into the lead but I might be wrong. Stud would have to be unscrewed from inside the boat or keel dropped. Unscrewing will need enough of the stud showing inside to get a second nut on to jam etc.

3. A galleried bolt. Bit like 1 except the bolt does not go right through the keel but stops part way through the keel. There is a hole in the side of the keel where the not is inserted and held for tightning. This hole is then filled. The filling would need to be found, removed and the nut undone and the bolt withdrawn from inside. Again some additional purchase on the inside end is required.

Don't know what UFo had but I'd be surprised if it wasn't option 1. How is it likley to go. Well it depends. I have this theory that says if it's fine, it'll drive out easily. If it isn't it won't. You could always get them x rayed. Seems quite expensive but you won't have had the head hammer hassle unless of course the films show you need to replace them and then you doubled the expense. Worth trying to drive one to see if it moves easily. Of course if someone's driven one out before you can bet your bottom euro that you pick the same one cos it's the easy on to get to! Have a chat to the surveyor.

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[DanTribe]

On my Ufo, it's just possible to see some filler over holes in the fin about 12" down, so the bolts are probably galleried, as in Tillergirl's option 3.
If the surveyor insists on drawing them, [unlikely in my experience] probably the easiest option is to lift the boat off the keel.
David Cooper at Holman & Pye is very helpful and knows most about their designs,
have a word with him before wading in.
BTW, is it possible to X-ray through lead?
Good choice of boat.
Dan

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[johnlilley]

Speaking personally, I usually make an assessment at the time of inspection. i.e. the degree of corrosion evident around the bolt/nut head and any evidence of corrosion staining externally where the keel bolt position is (the joint between keel & hull).
I will always make a suggestion that bolts are inspected at some stage, but unless there is strong evidence of failure I am happy to leave this area as a maintenance issue only.
I know other surveyors may have different opinions..such is life.
Regards
John Lilley

<hr width=100% size=1>John Lilley, John Lilley & Associates, Web site www.seasurveys.co.uk for osmosis /timber problems