356 Keel to Hull Joint

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Marc14857

Marc14857

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Jun 5, 2004
485
Hunter 44 Mystic, Ct
While preparing my 2003 356 for the season I found a gap and loose fiberglass at the leading edge of the keel about 3 inches belw the hull. Most of the folks in the yard think that the keel loosened up and needs to be retorqued. Anyone know what tools are necessary to retorque the keel bolts on a 356. Are the bolts accesible with a simple torque wrench or do I need an adaptor? Also what are the torque settings? Any ideas on how to repair the fiberglass would also be appreciated. Thanks
 
R

Ros

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Jun 8, 2004
10
- - Rock Hall, MD
FILL AND FAIR

All Hunters seem to habE same hull/keel joint problem! Fill an fair each season! Loose fiberglass may be more of a concern though?
 
chuckwayne

chuckwayne

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Mar 20, 2004
1,753
Hunter 356 and 216 Portland, ME
356 keel/hull cracks

Marc, it's a common problem, and unless you hit something it's probably cosmetic. he fibreglass at the joint edge is mostly resin, and very brittle-if the keel works at all against the hull, or the yard puts her down a little hard, you can crack the glass. clean out the joint, wipe down with acetone, and fill it with 5200. You should retorque the keel bolts before the 5200 sets completely. The large bolts are around 350 ft-lbs, the small 175. you need a 3/4 drive socket with extensions-I'll add the size when I get back to my 356 this week-and a large breaker bar if you don't have a torque wrench.I've calibrated my rig with a 1/2" torque wrench-I know how much force I can exert on a 2 foot handle-and I use a 4 foot pipe on a breaker bar to get to 350 foot-lbs. It's tough to maneuver in the cabin, but it's doable
 
T

Trevor - SailboatOwners.com

Don't stress

Hi Marc - Rich has great advice; I've met some of the folks at Sailing Specialties and their reputation speaks for itself. You could also call Hunter directy as they will give you sound advice. The 356 is a popular model and you should get good support. Have a great season! Trevor
 
Jim Seamans

Jim Seamans

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Mar 21, 2004
2,175
Hunter 356 Cobb Island, MD
Marc Same this year before

I just ground out a v-groove and filled with 5200, feathered as best as I could. We it came time to bottom paint I lightly sanded and painted over it. This year I didn't have to touch it. Can't see where I patched it last year. Jim S/V Java
 
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