A recent inspection of my H31 bottom revealed what look like flanges that appear at the keel-hull joint. Several photos are as follows. My question is does anyone know what these "flanges" are and how they are incorporated into the keel hull interface. Thanks!
1985 H31 Keel-Hull "Flanges"
- Thread starter Capt-Jack
- Start date
Never seen that are they magnetic. can u see them or bolts inside. Is yours an early 83' as Hunter figures cast iron out
I don't know what they are called if anything, however they help to secure the steel keel to the hull. The given more support to the keel joint and help reduce the stress on the hull to keel joint. Basically reduces the side to side stress on the actual keel bolts. Hunter was able to reduce the amount of fiberglass in the keel joint its self by stiffing up the bottom of the hull thus reducing the over all weight of the boat. The H34's built in that era were done the same way.
I checked with a former Hunter employee at that time and thinks what Captain Robbie described is correct. Just curious about the bolt pattern inside in the bilge area?
All -Thanks for your inputs. I agree that Capt Robbie has a good answer. I wanted to take keel bolt pics before getting back to you all. The first pic shows the one readily accessible forward keel bolt on the port side of the keel - looks to me like it does line up with the bow port-side flange shown in my original post. The other keel bolt "paired" with this one is under the sole and marches with the bow starboard flange. The next picture shows the pair of stern keel bolts that appear to match with the stern flange, as well as the single keel bolt at the stern of the keel. The pairs of bolts would indeed provide lateral stiffness and strength.
Below are pics of my H31. I don't see the "flanges" when last hauled. You may have to zoom in. this is the best I have of the keel. Also below are pics from inside the cabin with the floorboards removed and it also shows the same lay out as above for keel boats. hope this helps. Jerry
