Bent keel

[patrick doyle]

I have just purchased a 1987 27 foot c&c which fell off its cradle. While falling the lead keel was bent about 3 inches in a sideways direction. and was torqued a few degrees. I am now faced with the problem of straightening it. Has anyone had experience with a similar problem or has information on someone who has. Any help is greatly appreciated.

 

[Jim Maroldo]

Bent Keel?

Holy Mackerel, Pat! I trust you got a real deal on her. I can't imagine how one could straighten such a huge hunk of lead without damaging the hull as well. Of course, if the hull survived the fall, maybe it would survive some body work on the keel. Now I'm not a body man myself, but I understand that one has to add an equal but opposite force on a piece of metal to return it to its original shape. Could we assume that this would work here as well? Of course, you'd have to have a means of applying ALLOT of force here, and that's beyond my expertise for sure! I hope we get more responses, because I'm real curious as to how this could be done. And rest assured Pat; IT CAN BE DONE! The only question is: HOW?Good luck, Jim Maroldos/v: Lil' Wass Ett

 

[Ken Cobb]

Bent hull?

I am going to take you at your word and assume that the keel is really bent, and is not crooked simply because it deflected the hull inward on one side of the keel.I suspect that the keel will have to be removed to be straightened, if it can be at all. It may be necessary to replace the keel.While the keel is off, the hull can be inspected closely to see how much damage occurred when the keel bent.

 

[Don Evans]

Keels

I guess dropping it off the cradle in the other direction is not an option...8^)Seriously though this calls for expert advice. You might give mars metal a call. There actually not that far from Buffalo, in Burlington Ontario. They make a lot of keels for many boats, and are very good about talking to sailors about keel issues. There on the web at www.marsmetal.comGood luck.Don