Catalina 22 Fixed Keel Bolt corrosion

[Charles McElhill]

Question; How can you determine the relative soundness of fixed keel mounting boilts in a 22' Catalina. I have some concerns with regard to this do to some corrosion present. Also, keel is cast iron, are there any repair schemes to fix or replace mounting bolts in a cast iron keel. Finally, is keel replacement an option. Thanks to whomever responds.

 

[dtsails]

Charles,I owned a C-27 several years ago which suffered from a corroded keel bolt. I discovered it when I tried to tighten the forward bolt and it spun freely. It had corroded to a pencil point. I paid a boat yard to fix it and they drilled out the old bolt remnants and epoxied in a new, larger bolt. It was expensive but it seemed to work just fine. They did it without removing the keel but it was on the hard at the time. Hope that helps.Davidc-22"Dumbo"#4330