Hunter 37 cutter keel problems?

[Jeff LaCoursiere]

Hello,I recently had a beaching experience in St Thomas that required a tow off. Only sand, but the keel was well in by the time the tow boat arrived. I dove on the boat the next day to see if there was any damage, and noticed what I *think* is a new crack, all the way around the keel, but about half way down. I expected damage to occur at the hull, as I assumed that was where the keel was bolted on. A friend thought that perhaps the keel is bolted instead where I saw the crack. Does anyone know the specs for the keel on the Hunter 37 cutter (1980)? Do I need to worry about this? I also thought that perhaps the keel was flexed in the tow and the fiberglass simply cracked, which I can easily reglass. I don't expect that the lead core cracks... just bends? I hauled out yesterday, and I don't see any unusual bends in the keel Sorry for the lack of a picture, but if someone could confirm that the keel is either bolted at the hull or further down I at least have a better idea of what I am dealing with! Please email jeff@jeff.net...Thanks!

 

[Sanders LaMont]

it is

I just had my boat hauled, and the keel-hull joint appeared to be about 18 inches down from the hull, which I now understand better. I had a crack in the forward edge, which they routed out (it was only in the joint) refilled, fared, torqued and then painted.Unfortunately I do not have a picture but it sounds like the hull/keel joint on your boat was tweaked enough to crack the paint/seal.It should be easy to fix, but remember to have the keel bolts torqued while you have it on the hard.I'm sure someone else will add more, but it sounds like your crack is exactly where mine was, which is at the joint.Good luck,Sanders

 

[Sanders LaMont]

make that 12 inches or so....

and it tapers slightly lower toward the back of the boat...

 

[Osprey]

Pic

I have a poor photo of the hull keel jointI added a black line just below the joint.Sorry I don't have Photo shop on this computer or I could make it look better, it was a very overcast day.The res is pretty good so you can save it to your computer and enlarge it.

 

[Ed Schenck]

Keel Joint

I have tried to edit a photo to show the keel-hull joint. The aft end of the keel joint is obvious, there is a little step there. I had trouble with the line drawing but it is pretty close. Everything below the line is lead with lots of anti-fouling paint.The guys are right about keeping those big stainless nuts tight on the keel bolts. I carry a very deep 7/8" socket, extensions, and 1/2" breaker bar for tightening a couple of times in the spring.

 

[Osprey]

Shoal Draft?

EdThe keel you posted looks very different than the one I posted.Is it a 4' draft?

 

[Ed Schenck]

Ed's keel.

Yes, that is a four foot draft. However there is no difference in the hull-keel joint. The fin keel is just deeper and lighter(thinner). I would love to have a fin keel but not on Lake Erie. You can imagine how my 63-year old back feels after bottom sanding and painting!By the way, my daughter and family live in Rogers. They have a stinkpot on Beaver Lake. We have gone up the lake to watch the regatta by the sailing club whose name I forget.

 

[Osprey17220]

Beaver Lake Sailing Club

I am a member and race regularly...How long ago were you there?Who is your daughter/boat?I sail a Newport 28 blue hull named Osprey....Jimmie

 

[Ed Schenck]

Beaver Lake.

I met Andy Falls here on HOW. When I saw him at Beaver Lake he was sailing an H29.5. Pretty sure he has a newer, bigger boat.My kids have a ski boat down at the west end, Prairie Creek I think. I need to get a sailboat down there. It's a long ride to the sailing club. Even with 200+ horsepower. And the drive over from Rogers takes forever. A beautiful spot but very inaccessible.

 

[Ospery]

Small World

You gotta watch out for Andy, he'll drink all your rum!...)He's form Mossouri you know....grinGive me a yell when you get down here again, if you need help boat shopping let me know.Jimmieemai l n2speed (AT) n2speed dot com