new washer for keel bolt

rolandmouse

rolandmouse

Active Member
Joined
15 Jun 2005
Messages
68
Location
Lincolnshire
www.simoandi.blogspot.com
Ho folks we have a Vertue, Simo V113 , and last year the surveyor, told us to renew the washer underneath the nut on the keel bolt that is easily accessible in the bilge, what material should we use for the washer ? , also the bolt comes up right by a steel floor and when the washer goes on , it has a lip that just folds over the steel floor so i think one will have to be made , , , if it has to be a bronze washer , where can i get one made up , and also does this job need to be done out of the water , many thanks in advance and any hints on keel bolts welcome
 
[ QUOTE ]
..... also the materials that the bolt washer and nut are made of.

[/ QUOTE ]

Is this not the main clue here. Washers have to be compatible with metals either side so normally they are copper, bronze or galvanised unless the whole set is in stainless. If the old one is showing signs of rust then almost certianly it was galvanised and replacement probably should be the same.
 
If its a steel bolt, then use a steel washer. Make one from 10 or 12mm plate, about 6" by 4". Drill off the hole for the bolt off center so the washer overlaps the floor by the width of the floor. If you are not set up for making this any trad boatbuilder should be able to do this, or small engineering works.
For a couple of quid it would be worth getting it galvanised.

Where different metals are involved a piece of Tufnol between the floor and washer is about the best you can do.

Clean and grease the threads up well before undoing the nut.
When reassembled, prime and paint the whole assembly.

You could do this afloat, but have the option of a drying berth or haul out just in case. Should really be out the water and tucked up by now though!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Share this page

Top