rebediding a bolt on lead keel.

[10oxometer]

Good morning everybody, I have a UFO31 with a bolt on 1.5ton lead keel that may need resealing due to age only as i has never leaked.
the surveyor five years ago said it my need to be done in the future and its now due for an insurance renewal survey.it will be out in the yard on a cradle over winter. has anyone had to rebed their keel and what would be the best way of tackling the problem? Many Thanks in advance.

 

[pmagowan]

If it is not broke...

I have changed single keel bolts for the purpose of making sure they were not badly corroded but since the whole keel itself is fine I would not change it.

 

[Concerto]

If it is not broke...

+1

Why "fix" something that is still working as designed. Stop worrying about. Surveyors are drawing attention to a potential problem that has not or may never appear.

 

[DanTribe]

Good morning everybody, I have a UFO31 with a bolt on 1.5ton lead keel that may need resealing due to age only as i has never leaked.
the surveyor five years ago said it my need to be done in the future and its now due for an insurance renewal survey.it will be out in the yard on a cradle over winter. has anyone had to rebed their keel and what would be the best way of tackling the problem? Many Thanks in advance.

I had to have mine done a few years ago but only as an insurance repair after a grounding.
The yard craned the boat off the keel, repaired the damage and lowered boat back down. Not something I would want to try without access to the proper kit and skills.
There was a common fault with UFO 31s with the hull flexing at the keel joint, most, if not all, have had this remedied by reinforcing the hull.
I agree with other posts, "if it ain't broke, don't fix it."
Sikaflex is good stuff if there are hairline cracks at the joint.

 

[10oxometer]

I`m with you on not fixing somthing thats not broken. but if it comes to it the insurance company insist i`ts rectified before they will insure i really dont have much option.

 

[DanTribe]

I`m with you on not fixing somthing thats not broken. but if it comes to it the insurance company insist i`ts rectified before they will insure i really dont have much option.

I would be very surprised if an insurance company insisted on this being done. I guess your surveyor has mentioned it to show that he has been diligent and can't be blamed if you get some seepage.
My surveyor lists defects under 3 categories; which I interpret as follows.
Category A ; Safety & structural items requiring immediate attention. [don't use the boat until fixed]
Category B : Safety & structural items requiring priority attention [assumed to be before next season?]
Category C ; Items requiring attention in course of general maintenance. [When I get round to it].
Speak to your surveyor and suggest that he doesn't flag this up as an essential repair.
My insurers [GJW] seem to understand this system and are usually happy to accept minor defects as long as they are made aware that I am watching them.