What would cause the keel to drop a half inch on a 2 ft section towards the stern pn a 76 huntet 30
Lead keel on a hunter 30
- Thread starter Tie the Knot
- Start date
Not from the hull just where the keel attaches . noticed it when the boat went and the yard said to tighten the keel bolts. But what would make them loosen
Did the keel drop or did the caulking between the hull and hull fail and fall out?
With the weight of the boat resting on the keel, carefully remove the nuts, one at a time and retorque them to the proper specs, which depends on the keel bolt size. With the nut off of the bolt inspect and clean the threads on the bolt.
With the weight of the boat resting on the keel, carefully remove the nuts, one at a time and retorque them to the proper specs, which depends on the keel bolt size. With the nut off of the bolt inspect and clean the threads on the bolt.
I don't believe the keel dropped because it is only in the stern section about two feet. But it require to get hauled out again right.. It happened after i let the centerboard down
I would ne lead to believe that the caulking let go. The caulking was loose when I painted the bottom .Thanks good observation .Assume you have been there
Lead Keel. Centerboard. On a 1966 Hunter 30.
Not sure how that works.
Was this a kit version?
If you have a bolt on lead keel and the bilge has standing water from the stuffing box "drip", the threads on the rear keel bolts will rust away.
After you haul out, look at the aft keel bolt nut first and check the distance between the nut, as you find it, and the bilge. If there is a space, you found your gap. Remove the nut and check the threads on the bolt. If rusted away, you found the cause of the gap..
Not sure how that works.
Was this a kit version?
If you have a bolt on lead keel and the bilge has standing water from the stuffing box "drip", the threads on the rear keel bolts will rust away.
After you haul out, look at the aft keel bolt nut first and check the distance between the nut, as you find it, and the bilge. If there is a space, you found your gap. Remove the nut and check the threads on the bolt. If rusted away, you found the cause of the gap..
The gap is about 3/8" . its a 76 hunter 30 I'll have to rehaul again this week. Thanks for the info
Changing the bolt will be quite a job. First you will have to drop the keel entirely.
Then you will inspect all keel bolts for deterioration. Then you will decide if the cost of drilling out all affected bolts and replacing each (expensive) is the way to go, or if there is an alternative for your situation.
I suggest you google "replacing keel bolts" for a lot of experiences with this problem.
Then you will inspect all keel bolts for deterioration. Then you will decide if the cost of drilling out all affected bolts and replacing each (expensive) is the way to go, or if there is an alternative for your situation.
I suggest you google "replacing keel bolts" for a lot of experiences with this problem.
I truly don't believe bolt replacement will be necessary it sounds more like a bedding issue.. Thanks for your input
well one must remain optimistic during a short season. There is no leaking through the keel bolts just a slight separation toward the stern.
Hunter first boat built was a 25 around 1974 at which time they built their plant in Floida. I knew the fellow who bought the first boat. Are you in England or is your boat another brand? There was already a boat company in England when the U. S. Hunter went there but had to be callled Hunter Legend in England
That's ok but thanks for getting back. The boat is a learning curve for me as something different seems to become an obstacle for enjoyment.
Are you saying that the cost of drilling out the old bolts will likely be more than the cost of hauling the boat & dropping the keel? Or are you saying that the cost of the replacement bolts is very high?