any info on replacing keel bolts on 43 beneteau?

[Jconn]

We are purchasing a 43 ft beneteau and surveyor states we need to replace the keep bolts.
Has anyone gone thru this process? Can you offer any advice on what we need to discuss with the boat yard before the procedure? We are getting an excellent price on the vessel and are expecting about $7000 cost for replacement based on one estimate so far.
Will appreciate any and all response.

 

[Ralph Johnstone]

I think we'd need a lot more info here such as age, previous grounding(s), etc. to see the reason for replacing the keel bolts before commenting.

This is not a regular maintenance item.

 

[Jconn]

Boat is 1986... Bolts are rusted and surveyor suggests they need to be replaced.

 

[CHM]

Get more estimates. That sound high. Order replacements from Beneteau in South Carolina. About $125 shipped. Shop around for labor amd to see what is involved. Worst case scenario is hauling boat and dropping keel.

 

[BCDurbin]

I would hope you are getting a good price for it! I'd drop my offer 7k! But shop around for replacement costs.

 

[Benjamin Disralei]

What you need to discuss with the boat yard as to why the cost, what are you getting for your money and what service he is going to supply. Seriously as already discussed, I think the yard is having a lend of you and you need to get several quotes. However if your not telling us the whole story there may be more work to be done to the keel and price may be justifiable...?

 

[Gunni]

Keel bolts can be removed/replaced one at a time. It is not a $7k job.

 

[jadamsson]

Getting at the keel boats in ours requires removing quite a few of the interior furnishings and systems. If this has to be done, and that is included in the quote, I can see the cost adding up quickly.

 

[ErikFinn]

Jconn,

the 43feet Beneteu, is it one of the early Oceanis models? If so it's propably very similar to my 1989 Oceanis 430. I will change my keel bolts very soon as the bolt heads appear rusty.

Be sure to know what material your Beneteau keel is made of:
· Cast Iron keel use galvanized bolts - There are threaded sockets cast into the keel.
· Lead keels use stainless steel nuts - There are threaded rods cast into the keel.


After having done some research I estimate this to be a fairly routine DIY job, with my boat anyway, as I don't have leaks, so I don't expect having to drop the keel. Unless I will have complications with detaching the bolts; check out the attached pdf-document "Keel Bolt Information" sent to me by Beneteau spare parts department USA.

Also, for the sake of education, check out the links below, and do some more searches on the forums. This will all help you to make an educated decision on your particular situation:

Here are some related links:

http://www.beneteau235.com/keel_bolts.htm

http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/f55/keel-bolts-8119.html

http://features.boats.com/boat-content/2012/06/how-to-replace-keel-bolts/

http://www.ybw.com/forums/showthread.php?224192-Beneteau-Oceanis-37-keel-leak/page2

http://www.sailnet.com/forums/boat-review-purchase-forum/67272-rusty-keel-bolts-how-bad-2.html

http://www.sailnet.com/forums/gear-maintenance/93285-grid-system-repair-3.html

Best regards,
Erik