I just purchased a 1973 Catalina 27. Keel bolts in bilge not looking to good. I would like to add more bolts, even if it's just to give me piece of mind. What is the easiest way to add bolts? What size? How many?? Placement of bolts?? Thanks for your help.
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Contact Catalina
The Catalina factory has several suggested methods, with drawings, if you contact them. None of them are really easy, though. Good luck!
The Catalina factory has several suggested methods, with drawings, if you contact them. None of them are really easy, though. Good luck!
See Judy B's Catalina Pages
Lloyd, Do an archive search on this site under keel bolts...lots of discussion and information. I've put a link to Judy Blumhorst's Catalina pages, go down quite a ways to the Day 1, May 15th entry and click on the links labeled rebuilt keel sump and new keel bolts. They are PDF files of the Catalina repair instructions. Judy has done a lot of nice things to her boat and documented what she has learned for the rest of us.
Lloyd, Do an archive search on this site under keel bolts...lots of discussion and information. I've put a link to Judy Blumhorst's Catalina pages, go down quite a ways to the Day 1, May 15th entry and click on the links labeled rebuilt keel sump and new keel bolts. They are PDF files of the Catalina repair instructions. Judy has done a lot of nice things to her boat and documented what she has learned for the rest of us.
Also Catalina Direct
I was looking at the Catlina Direct website for something else, and saw they have retrofit keelbolt kits. click on the link for their online store, go to "Catalina 27 Parts", then to "hull/deck", then to "keel". Couple hundred dollars. The same page for keelbolt kits comes up under several models, so you'll probably need to call them and get clarified what you need, and they can explain how it's done.
I was looking at the Catlina Direct website for something else, and saw they have retrofit keelbolt kits. click on the link for their online store, go to "Catalina 27 Parts", then to "hull/deck", then to "keel". Couple hundred dollars. The same page for keelbolt kits comes up under several models, so you'll probably need to call them and get clarified what you need, and they can explain how it's done.
Lag bolts
Wow that's a little expensive. I bought 316 1/2in by 10in lag bolts for the same fix for under $10 Cdn each. $220 USD is crazy. The Catalina factory will quickly send you a fax for the retrofit, and they'll even chat to you about it if you wish and the factory will sell you the lag bolts for much less than CD. Peter
Wow that's a little expensive. I bought 316 1/2in by 10in lag bolts for the same fix for under $10 Cdn each. $220 USD is crazy. The Catalina factory will quickly send you a fax for the retrofit, and they'll even chat to you about it if you wish and the factory will sell you the lag bolts for much less than CD. Peter
Lags are for Lead
Thanks for your responses. I agree that the kit from Catalina direct is very expensive. I spoke to Catalina Yachts service department, and they could not have been nicer or more helpful. My 73 has an iron keel, and needs to be tapped, and then run a threaded bolt into it. Catalina gladly & quickly sent me info, and answered my e-mails. This is why I'm on my fourth Catalina. The lags bolt work well with the soft lead keel, but not with the iron. Thanks again.
Thanks for your responses. I agree that the kit from Catalina direct is very expensive. I spoke to Catalina Yachts service department, and they could not have been nicer or more helpful. My 73 has an iron keel, and needs to be tapped, and then run a threaded bolt into it. Catalina gladly & quickly sent me info, and answered my e-mails. This is why I'm on my fourth Catalina. The lags bolt work well with the soft lead keel, but not with the iron. Thanks again.
The number one rule for all catalina owners
...When looking for parts, advice, retrofits, upgrades, etc..... ALWAYS call the FACTORY FIRST!!!! In most cases your questions will be answered and your parts will be available... And the prices will be reasonable.
...When looking for parts, advice, retrofits, upgrades, etc..... ALWAYS call the FACTORY FIRST!!!! In most cases your questions will be answered and your parts will be available... And the prices will be reasonable.
Question For Peter
Peter, Did you use the lag bolts for an iron keel? How did you set them? Thanks
Peter, Did you use the lag bolts for an iron keel? How did you set them? Thanks
Lag bolts
Lloyd, no I have a lead keel and adding the lags wasn't too much of a problem. Having to tap for 10in bolts into iron isn't going to be fun. But I agree with Joe, always call the factory first. Peter
Lloyd, no I have a lead keel and adding the lags wasn't too much of a problem. Having to tap for 10in bolts into iron isn't going to be fun. But I agree with Joe, always call the factory first. Peter
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