Keelbolt

[Scarboroughsloop]

I am planning to come out of the water next spring to do some work. I will be taking the engine out to tidy up underneath and also replace the engine mounts. Whilst the tin tops'l is out I am going to draw the keelbolt underneath to check the condition whilst it is accesible. However I am wondering how long most people leave it to check their keelbolt condition? I have no sign of a problem with no tell tale rust marks at the keel joint, just wondering on the time period.....

 

[Mirelle]

The \"One Under the Engine\"?

Well, I last did That One in 1989.

The Other Ones were replaced in 1985 and 2002.

in 1985 we used mild steel as replacements and in 2002 some of these were necked down to around 10% loss so all were replaced - in wrought iron, this time.

However I should add that in 2002 we discovered The Bolt that Time Forgot - it was underneath, rather than through, the oak mast step, so had been in the boat since 1937. Only discovered because we replaced tha mast step!

It was not that bad - to everyone's surprise, it knocked out fairly painlessly!

 

[Scarboroughsloop]

Re: The \"One Under the Engine\"?

Thanks Mirelle.

Mine were checked in 1989/90 by the previous owner and replaced as needed (including under the engine). Hopefully no shocks this time (famous last words!!)

 

[cliffordpope]

Re: The \"One Under the Engine\"?

When I removed mine I found they probably hadn't been checked since new in about 1880. They were corroded down to about 10% of their original thickness, and the iron keel virtually fell off when I lifted the hull.
Getting the remains out of the fossilised wooden floors, and drilling out the stubs from the ballast keel took about 10 years.
Now replaced with marine-grade (whatever that is) wrought iron. When the boat finally goes back in the water, hopefully next year, I'll start a programme of regularly checking them. Perhaps about twice every century in future.

 

[tillergirl]

I have this theory that the absence of rust marks is a very good sign. I had rust marks and no keel bolts - well that's an exaggeration but where there were rust marks there was a need for attention and where there was none, the bolts were pretty ok. The theory is based upon a research study of two boats so you shouldn't rely on it.

I did my first one, the one under the engine when I replaced the engine 11 years ago so I think you're wise to do it when you have the access. When I checked all of them two years ago, having been frightened by one up front, I lifted the engine again and checked that one again - only to find it was fine! But they were all replaced needy or not and I reckon that I might have a check in ten years time.

There's no topping Clifford's tale!!!