I have a 1973 27' Catalina. I am concerned in finding what looks like one of the studs that hold the keel to the hull has corroded off! I was cleaning the bilge and found one of the large nuts and washers loose in the bilge, not attached to anything and I assume the stud it was attached to (all the way forward) is corroded away.
The others seem OK but not sure how to tell. The boat has been out of the water all winter. Last week I started to do some work on her and I noticed a large rust stain running down the back of the keel beginning at what appears to be a small hole in the keel.
I am concerned that I may have a structural issue. Not knowing how the keel is constructed I fear that water maybe getting into the keel and the studs are corroding.
Is this a possibility?
If so what can I or should I do?
The others seem OK but not sure how to tell. The boat has been out of the water all winter. Last week I started to do some work on her and I noticed a large rust stain running down the back of the keel beginning at what appears to be a small hole in the keel.
I am concerned that I may have a structural issue. Not knowing how the keel is constructed I fear that water maybe getting into the keel and the studs are corroding.
Is this a possibility?
If so what can I or should I do?