Forward keel bolt

[Richard Gresham]

I have and '87 TR and while cleaning out the bilge this weekend I came across my forward keel bolt. Well, theres not much left of the bolt. It looks like the exposed threads have disinagrated down to the nut. All other bolts look great with 1"-1 1/4" of bolt thread exposed and no rust. The forward nut is not loose and having just purchased the boat with a survey, there were no signs of this prolbem( i.e. no keel /hull joint cracks). I'm not worried about the keel falling off but I would like to take care of it ASAP. Has anyone done this repair? How is it done? What should I expect to pay for the repair?Thanks!

 

[Bob Camarena]

Check the Archives

You should be able to find several articles in the archives on keel bolt problems and replacement. An '87 should have SS keel bolts which shouldn't have rusted. I'm wondering if you have an electrolysis problem -- but if you did I would think all the bolts would be affected.

 

[Lewis Fulk]

Never Lost A Keel

Richard, I have a 25' fixed keel and all my bolts are like the one you described. We recently had an all Catalina event in our area and Mr. Butler (owner/builder - Cataline Boats) attended the event. I asked him about this problem and the suggested fix. He said he has never lost a keel on one of his boats, but if it makes you feel better, SS lag bolts can be installed if the keel is lead. If your keel is steel, then drill and tap for new SS bolts. Catalina has a detailed procedure on doing this and will send it to you for the asking.