I recentley damaged my keel whilst sailing in Bahamas,both fins are bent up where normally they are down,the fins are solid lead and no amount of hammering moves them one iota,anybody any ideas boat is 37 ft,if i remove all keel bolts will keel just fall off? mike
- Status
Yes!! But Don't
Hi Mike: I've never done it myself but have seen it done and you would probably be better off letting people with the equipment do it. Just guessing, but your keel probably weighs around 5000lbs. and could damage your boat and possibly you if it wasn't done properly. What I observed was that the boat and keel were blocked up and braced. The nuts were taken off of the bolts and then the boat was actually jacked up off of the keel for removal. That's probably not the only method, but I've only seen it done once. It's not a do it yourself project for a boat that size. Luck!
Hi Mike: I've never done it myself but have seen it done and you would probably be better off letting people with the equipment do it. Just guessing, but your keel probably weighs around 5000lbs. and could damage your boat and possibly you if it wasn't done properly. What I observed was that the boat and keel were blocked up and braced. The nuts were taken off of the bolts and then the boat was actually jacked up off of the keel for removal. That's probably not the only method, but I've only seen it done once. It's not a do it yourself project for a boat that size. Luck!
Damaged bulb fin keel
Since you have a 'damage' you most likely have an insurance claim. If you have note already contacted your carrier, why not do so now. The advice from J. B. Dyer makes sense. Given the value of your boat, and the additional damage that could occur, as well as possible injury, I'd let the folks with knowledge, experience, and equipment handle the job.
Since you have a 'damage' you most likely have an insurance claim. If you have note already contacted your carrier, why not do so now. The advice from J. B. Dyer makes sense. Given the value of your boat, and the additional damage that could occur, as well as possible injury, I'd let the folks with knowledge, experience, and equipment handle the job.
Try Mars Metal
Mike I'd give Mars Metal a shout. They make most of the lead keels around here and also modify keels.
Mike I'd give Mars Metal a shout. They make most of the lead keels around here and also modify keels.
Did you try heating it before hammering?
I did a little work on mine where it was dented (my wifes fault, of course)
Scrapped off the bottom paint and used a propane torch and a ball peen hammer. If you try this, be careful, don't breathe the fumes and don't tell anyone you are doing it.
I did a little work on mine where it was dented (my wifes fault, of course)
Scrapped off the bottom paint and used a propane torch and a ball peen hammer. If you try this, be careful, don't breathe the fumes and don't tell anyone you are doing it.- Status