Bulge on Keel

[Nani]

I am looking into buying a 1985 Hunter 40. However, surveyor and couple of very knowledgable friends were puzzeld by this situation, and not sure how to advise me about it.
Description as per survey: "The Keel bolt nut, just aft of the compresssion post, is only engaged with the keel bolt by about two threads. At keel, a bulge at both sides of the keel. Some fairing visible. It appears as though this keel bolt may have been added post production and pooly done. The reason for this installation should be researched and its structural integrity verified."
Any ideas?

 

[Benny17441]

You indicate the keel bolt appears to have been installed post production. If the evidence points to that then you must assume it was. On the other hand production flaws are quite commonly found in productions boats like Hunter and there could be the possibility that the bolt was incorrectly set on the keel and the installer may have felt fortunate to grab a couple of threads. If that were the case it has performed well for 28 years. You may request that all keel bolts be inspected and re-tightened to see if they are well anchored or if any other has a weakness. Regarding the bulges have the Broker ask the owner about when and how did they occur. Inspect the hull and keel joint and if you are not happy with the bulges or the bolt ask that they be repaired. At least get estimates for the job as they may help to negotiate the price and you may perhaps want to do them at a latter date. Most important, if you are not entirely satisfied with the inspections and information gathered move on to other boats.

 

[B757Captain]

I just looked in the bilge on my 86 Hunter 40, should be identical to the one you're looking at. There are two keel bolts forward of the compression post, one just aft on the boat centerline and two aft, close to the companionway. All the bolts on mine have at least 1/2 inch bolt showing above the top of the nut and the center one has about 3/4 above the nut. If this is the one you are referencing it looks like a factory keel bolt, at least on mine. I was on the hard a few months ago, no unusual bulges around this bolt. Mine does show slight bulges around the tabs laterally for the other four keel bolts but nothing to for the center bolt.

D you have any pictures?

Hope that helped

 

[Nani]

Thanks! I bought the boat. Won't do anything for now, but soon will haul for a bottom job and will have it checked.