Bilge eyebolts

[Joe Stonebraker]

In the bilge of my 1977 25' centerboard O'Day are two eyebolts which are corroding severely. I am concerned about the integrity of the shoal draft keel, and if the eyebolts are structural (to secure the keel)or were only used to hoist the lead ballasted keel into position during initial boat construction. Do I need to be concerned with the keel dropping off while sailing off the Saint Helena Sound in the Beaufort,Sc waters (where there are lots of sharks) or is this situation of no concern????? I really would dislike converting from avid sailor to chum. Will someone with info regarding this situation please advise so that I may correct the defect or just say "pisszonitt" and worry no more. Thanks in advance for your advice.

 

[Don Evans]

Don't Worry

Relax, all is well. Those bolts serve no purpose at this point. I was told they were used to lift the hull at the factory. Your guess about the ballast is also possible. Whatever, they are at this point of little concern.Don

 

[Justin - O'day Owners' Web]

Bilge bolts

Joe -My understanding is the same as Don's - the bolts were for lifting the hull/ballast pig and don't so anything meaningful now.Justin - O'day Owners' Web

 

[Rick Ellis]

Deisel Conversion

Can anyone give me any info on coverting from a gas to deisel engine.