272 LE Keel Questions

[dankarofl]

Hi Guys,
I'm admittedly new to keel boats and I've come across a 1988 O'Day 272 LE that I would like to purchase. After looking through the pictures I took on the first viewing I noticed something odd with what I think is the Keel to Hull joint. There's a long seam running down both sides. Is this something I should be worried about? What should I look at closer on the second viewing?

Thanks!

 

[Tally Ho]

Hey Dan,

Welcome aboard.

I have an O’Day 322, so not the same as the 272LE, but my $.02 :
I don’t think the keel joint is a deal breaker. It is common for most external keel boats to have some sort of seam at the stub keel joint that crack. Usually they are faired with something that will crack. Refair and monitor. But do check / torque the keel bolts, inspect the bilge area as best you can.

My 322 only has 4 bolts holding the keel on...which I consider a weak point for this boat. But in 5 years of ownership, no issues with the keel.

Greg

 

[heritage]

It is rather common to see the crack at the keel joint. Most keels are attached with a thick bead of 5200 between the stub and the keel. The 5200 will allow some flexing of the joint and if flexed enough will crack an epoxy or paint coating that is later applied. What you do not want to see is water than seeps out of the joint when first lifted in the slings.

 

[GregL564]

That's simply the seam that you're seeing there--the transition from the fiberglass stub to the lead keel. Some owners have had the joint faired, in which case it will be a little harder to see the seam, but what you're seeing there is perfectly normal. As others have noted, the material in between is 3M 5200, which O'day used to both adhere the keel to the stub and to seal the joint. If the keel sump is dry and the bolts look good, should be fine.

 

[Pat]

Actually, I concur with everything stated above....I can see the seam, but it has never leaked....we bought the boat in
1986....launched it yesterday, and no leaking....but the seam is visible...the joint is visible, but so is the the fairing material.
As mentioned above, you .....everything mentioned above is proper and correct....I do try to avoid supporting the entire boat on the keel itself....good luck and enjoy sailing the boat....she is a fine sailing craft in my humble opinion....Pat

 

[eherlihy]

I just posted on this same topic in another forum.
Go here to see what the keel looked like: http://www.sailnet.com/forums/2051448002-post7.html
and here to see what the bolts looked like; http://www.sailnet.com/forums/2051448162-post10.html

I would not buy ANY boat with a visible seam along the hull to keel joint without removing and retorquing SEVERAL of the keel bolts - especially with an O'day xx2. See here: https://forums.sailboatowners.com/index.php?threads/oday-302-loses-keel-check-yours.109869/
and http://www.sailnet.com/forums/general-discussion-sailing-related/55761-oday-302-lost-keel.html