Keel WTF?

[Rickales]

Removing some corroded lead on my Soverel 33 keel, I found a 1” diameter about 18” long aluminum tube embedded in the keel lead. The tube was not filled with lead displacing about 20 lbs of lead, This tube was about 8” back and parallel to the leading edge extending down the port side from about 2” below the keel-sump junction.

any idea what a hollow aluminum tube is doing embedded in the keel lead?

 

[jwilson]

I can only imagine it was part of the original casting, and there to assist in some way positioning or moving the very heavy lump of lead before fitting to the boat. Might there be another similar near the aft end?

 

[Robin]

I can only imagine it was part of the original casting, and there to assist in some way positioning or moving the very heavy lump of lead before fitting to the boat. Might there be another similar near the aft end?

perhaps it was an airlock bleed off for original casting?

 

[[163233]]

Perhaps they used it to smuggle drugs?

 

[Wansworth]

What’s corroded lead?

 

[fredrussell]

What’s corroded lead?

That’s what I wondered.

 

[Clancy Moped]

Given the temperature they cast a lead keel at, I wouldn't have thought it was in at that point....mystery

 

[Davy_S]

Some sort of drainage? is there a brass screw plug hidden under the keel paint?

 

[Catalina36]

If it had been there in the original casting it would have floated to the top of the mould. Very odd.

 

[VicS]

Given the temperature they cast a lead keel at, I wouldn't have thought it was in at that point....mystery

Aluminium melts at much higher temperature than lead

 

[Clancy Moped]

Aluminium melts at much higher temperature than lead

Every day a school day , thanks .....

 

[anoccasionalyachtsman]

I've no idea how Doppler speed logs do their measuring, but I've a vague memory that some needed a fitting in the leading edge of the keel. That might have needed a wire run to it?

 

[tjbrace]

Weight reduction maybe. I’m sure I read that one of the Morning Clouds had holes in the keel to enable tuning of the ballast. These were filled with wooden blocks when n lightened trim.