322 keel stub thickness

[Cliff Mann]

Does anybody know the thickness of the glass where the keel bolts pass thru the hull on the bottom of the keel stub on the 322? I recently saw some photos of a 302 that lost its keel and the person describing the photos claimed the glass at the bottom of the stub, where the keel ripped off was only 1/4 inch thick. That would seem impossible to me....would think like an inch - 2 inches thick. I also read about an owner of a 322 in the Great Lakes that lost his keel. I know there has been talk about loosening keel boats on these boats, but mine appear to be snug and my keel / hull joint is not even visible....plus on my boat, there are 4 inch x 2 3/4 inch ss backing plates on the 1 inch bolts, the 3/4' bolt hase a washer. After reading the keel seperation problems with this boat I am thinking of glassing in the entire keel! Any input would be appreciated.
Cliff Mann

 

[Shoaldrafter]

cliff, some thoughts

Does anybody know the thickness of the glass where the keel bolts pass thru the hull on the bottom of the keel stub on the 322? I recently saw some photos of a 302 that lost its keel and the person describing the photos claimed the glass at the bottom of the stub, where the keel ripped off was only 1/4 inch thick. That would seem impossible to me....would think like an inch - 2 inches thick. I also read about an owner of a 322 in the Great Lakes that lost his keel. I know there has been talk about loosening keel boats on these boats, but mine appear to be snug and my keel / hull joint is not even visible....plus on my boat, there are 4 inch x 2 3/4 inch ss backing plates on the 1 inch bolts, the 3/4' bolt hase a washer. After reading the keel seperation problems with this boat I am thinking of glassing in the entire keel! Any input would be appreciated.
Cliff Mann

Cliff,

I cannot help with your boat, but can offer some comments based on the 26.

The 26 is a swing centerboard. Its construction is typical of all O'Day sailboats.

You can evaluate the interior of your keel by drilling several holes. The holes would tell you the thickness and inside conditions. All holes could easily be filled with epoxy paste.

If you find the bottom few inches solid, you have answered your own question. If as you worry, you find thin glass then there are solutions to reinforce the lower keel without major issues.

Keep in mind that during construction variations occurred. While most 322's were made with a certain thickness frp, any boat may vary. So to alay your concerns, the hole drilling test may be be appropriate.

Ed K
26

 

[Joe11688]

Hey Cliff,
Go to the I Love O'Days web site, http://www.iheartodays.com/model_oday_322.html and look for your model and scroll all the way down on that page and you'll find some useful info under "Miscellaneous Information." You may find what you're looking for.
Joe

 

[DeniseO30]

Which keel do you have? wing or fin? friend of mine has 322 with huge wing keel, 52" wide at the wing. .. I can't imagine how it doesn't have problems with the hull to keel joint.