Broken Keel bolts on Swing Keel

C

capdabney

.
Aug 5, 2012
27
Stuart Marine / Marine Concepts Rhodes 19 / Sea Pearl Mobile
What's the story of bolts breaking on the New Design Swing Keel??

Any diagrams out there or other such material I can review?

I found a '86 SK with 2 broken bolts in it and need to know what I might be getting into...

Thanks guys!
 
C

CaptDon01

.
Nov 19, 2008
2,129
Catalina C-22 MK-II Parrish, FL
A Dremel tool with some grinding bits and cut-off wheels makes quick work of it. You can get to the weldemants from the top side,(both starboard side and port side). Take a look at the Catalina Direct catalog so you know what you'll be looking for. Easy way to locate them is to drill a small hole in the middle of one with the keel bolt removed, all the way through, (then you'll know where to grind the fiberglass away at). Once everything is cleaned and the bad weldement(s) removed, reinstall the keel hanger assembly, (grease the bolts so they won't stick), and epoxy the new ones in place and re-fill the area with epoxy, cloth and some thickened epoxy.

Sound easy?

Don
 
C

Cope

.
Jun 19, 2011
78
Catalina 22 South Lake Tahoe
If you can get a great deal on it maybe...

I just changed the four SS keel bolts on my 1973 and they came out smooth as butter.
Granted my boat has been well cared for almost its entire life.

Broken keel bolts may get you a screaming deal if the trailer is perfect, the boat is excelent and the huge selection of sails on board cost more thant your truck....

Other than that I would keep looking.

Good luck with what ever your choice is.
 
C

CaptDon01

.
Nov 19, 2008
2,129
Catalina C-22 MK-II Parrish, FL
If you have some mechanical skills and some tools, and some experience with WEST epoxy,(my favorite!), it's not that difficult, especially on a new design C-22, and can be done in a day without having to remove the keel. All done from inside the hull. Plus, it's another bargaining chip to buy the boat even cheaper,(unless the owner is also reading this post). Do you live near a C-22 Fleet? Probably some GREAT knowledge and experience in that group. Weldements are around $15. each through Catalina Direct, new set of keel bolts, $10 or $12, some WEST epoxy and supplies, and your good to go!

It's not the end of the world kind of a job,(but that will be our little secret) :D

Don
 
C

capdabney

.
Aug 5, 2012
27
Stuart Marine / Marine Concepts Rhodes 19 / Sea Pearl Mobile
I've found this '86 model...he wants it gone....asking $3500, but will negotiate ...cushions have never been in the boat since he's owned it and it's a F/W Boat. Nice dual axle Aluminum trailer to boot and a 1 year old 5hp nissan. just base sails of main and jib.

What do these 4 bolts do? Are they a cover plate or something. I'm not familiar as to the function.
 
C

Cope

.
Jun 19, 2011
78
Catalina 22 South Lake Tahoe
Those four bolts hold the entire weight of the keel. They are the the only thing keeping the keel on the boat. (besides the trailer)

Are they both on one side?

I payed 3,500 (The PO full asking price. I did not have the cash and told him if he would hold the boat for a month I would not haggle on price) for my 73 modle including the new honda 4 stroke that is worth @1,200 bucks. Just to give you an idea.
 
allen-deckard

allen-deckard

.
Aug 11, 2011
759
catalina 22 Islamorada
Honestly I'm not sure how everyone puts dollar amounts on boats by descriptions in forum posts.

If I had a GIANT hole in the side of my boat it would be worth WAY over 3500 if the hull was totaled in an accident while going down the road and you just had parts it's worth again WAY over 3500 but that's because of what I have in it that could very easily be takin out and put in another boat.

I'm not saying you cant come close but even in pictures a boat can be dusty dirty and moldy looking but with some cleaning look like brand new.

Keel bolts replacing them is just maintaining the boat that should be done every so often anyway it's super easy really cheep and just makes me feel better knowing they are good. If one breaks off then start with an easy out. If that doesn't work then drill it out just undersize and start tapping or chizzle out the bolt. Anyone that has ever rebuilt engines knows your gonna break a bolt off now and then it's just the way it is. Pisses ya off but it's not a deal breaker. Kind of like finding a beautiful classic car and it having a flat tire you don't pass you change the tire.


Anyway rant off. but in person I can tell the worth of a boat but without being in front of the boat I couldn't do it just way way to many variables.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Top Bottom