Has anyone had any issues with the keel of their boat separating from hull? ( a 6" long line of separation - front area of keel). We were told it could be from improper storing - blocks being placed on ball of keel causing it to tork & stress..The keel is lead - fin with wing . Thank you for any information you might have.
Keel pulling away
- Thread starter star302
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Star...
I think you will find that this is called "The Hunter Smile". Search the repair forums for the solutions others have posted.
Common solution is to fill it with caulk, fair it over, paint it, then go sailing.
I think you will find that this is called "The Hunter Smile". Search the repair forums for the solutions others have posted.
Common solution is to fill it with caulk, fair it over, paint it, then go sailing.
Re: Star...
Hi Dan,
Thank you for the information..I am new to this forum, so can you direct me to the repair forum section..
Hi Dan,
Thank you for the information..I am new to this forum, so can you direct me to the repair forum section..
Is the boat properly blocked now ? if it is and then it should go back in place and the crack should close if it was only improper blocking that caused it.
I would have the keel bolts re-torqued once the crack closes. Also examine the front of the keel to see if there are any marks to indicate a hard grounding.
Be sure that most of the vessel weight is on the keel and not too much on the stands, allowing the weight of the boat to close the crack. The crack should stay closed if the keel bolts are then re-torqued. The joint can then be sealed.
When she is back in the water keep an eye out for water in the bilge that would indicate a leak in this area that will need to be addressed further.
good luck, Bob
I would have the keel bolts re-torqued once the crack closes. Also examine the front of the keel to see if there are any marks to indicate a hard grounding.
Be sure that most of the vessel weight is on the keel and not too much on the stands, allowing the weight of the boat to close the crack. The crack should stay closed if the keel bolts are then re-torqued. The joint can then be sealed.
When she is back in the water keep an eye out for water in the bilge that would indicate a leak in this area that will need to be addressed further.
good luck, Bob
Star...
Go to the top of the site page and pull down the Boat Info tab and click on Hunter Owner Modifications then look for the appropriate topic under your boat model.
Go to the top of the site page and pull down the Boat Info tab and click on Hunter Owner Modifications then look for the appropriate topic under your boat model.
Similar circumstance
I had a similar issue with my 35.5 a couple years back at a winter haul out, due to improper blocking and torquing the keel. Fortunately I was there watching when it happened and realized right away. Unfortunately, not soon enough to do anything about it before it pulled. I always seem to have a bit of water in the bilge (ice box, stuffing box, shower sump), and I noticed as I was cleaning up, on the hard, that I had water leaking OUT of the bilge through the crack. Not a good sign for next spring.
The marina where I stored was more of a powerboat, than sailboat, place. But they stood behind their mistake, and took care of the expense. My local Hunter dealer is right across the river from where I stored, so in the spring, as soon as the ice melted, they launched my boat, floated it across the river and hauled it out again. The dealer left it in the lift, dropped the keel and cleaned up the mess between the keel and hull. Recaulked, tightened up keel, refaired, and redid bottom paint along the repair. It wasn't cheap (about $5k as I recall), but it was done correctly. And I've only stored at my Hunter dealer ever since.
I had a similar issue with my 35.5 a couple years back at a winter haul out, due to improper blocking and torquing the keel. Fortunately I was there watching when it happened and realized right away. Unfortunately, not soon enough to do anything about it before it pulled. I always seem to have a bit of water in the bilge (ice box, stuffing box, shower sump), and I noticed as I was cleaning up, on the hard, that I had water leaking OUT of the bilge through the crack. Not a good sign for next spring.
The marina where I stored was more of a powerboat, than sailboat, place. But they stood behind their mistake, and took care of the expense. My local Hunter dealer is right across the river from where I stored, so in the spring, as soon as the ice melted, they launched my boat, floated it across the river and hauled it out again. The dealer left it in the lift, dropped the keel and cleaned up the mess between the keel and hull. Recaulked, tightened up keel, refaired, and redid bottom paint along the repair. It wasn't cheap (about $5k as I recall), but it was done correctly. And I've only stored at my Hunter dealer ever since.
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