Lack of keel bolts...?

[MatthewCoyne]

Hi all,
I own a Gibsea 80+ Quarter Tonner , 26ft LOA, 4'10" fin keel. On looking under my flooring I see NO tops of keel bolt, or any other fixings for the keel. Is this the norm on one of these ?
It looks as if the bilge is completely as it was built and there are no signs of any messing about by the previous owner.
Any help or ideas on how the keel is attached on this yacht would be very much appreciated.
Matt.

 

[stevebrassett]

I know nothing about these boats, but is there any sign outside the boat that the keel is separate? Is there a line around the top of the keel? Does the keel appear to be metal, or GRP? The keel could have been built as one with the hull, then the ballast encapsulated.

 

[BAtoo]

May be encapsulated as steve says; IIRR these were commoner in the '70s - what age is yours? Bolt-on keels are cheaper to produce hence most do it this way now.

 

[MatthewCoyne]

Hi,
Thanks for the replies. The boat was built in the early 80's I believe. The keel is, i'm sure, steel, and it does look like a seperate item from the hull. The reason why I think so is because there is a tiny seperation at the front of the keel where it butts up to the hull. But then saying that, why would anyone want to cover up, or encapsulate Keel bolts ? The boat really is in good order so I cant believe the previous owners would be trying to cover anything up.
Do I just leave it, as the keel looks absolutly sound, or get a survey ? I guess all the surveyor would say is grind away at the bilge, see what I find, then charge me £200 ....
Regards,
Matt.

 

[stevebrassett]

The keel bolts on my Leisure 23 are encapsulated. Having said that, the bulges show where they are. I guess the manufacturers didn't intend anyone playing with them.