Wanted to inspect keel pivot bolt, got the keel supported in front and back by bottle jack and a floor jack. Got the nut loosened but bolt won't slide out, tried tapping it with a hammer but won't budge. Maybe the bolt is still under a lot of load? Or does it actually thread into the keel?
Inspecting keel bolt
- Thread starter newsailor72
- Start date
you may need to juggle the stands under the keel a bit to get the load off the bolt. once you do, use a new bolt, or a piece of 1/2" rod, to push the old bolt out as the new bolt, or temporary rod, goes in to support the keel.
when you replace the rubber seals don't over tighten the bolt/nut as it WILL deform and leak if you do. (ask me how I know). not threaded into keel btw.
when you replace the rubber seals don't over tighten the bolt/nut as it WILL deform and leak if you do. (ask me how I know). not threaded into keel btw.
You are likely supporting the keel "too much", forcing it up now. I used a screw style scissor jack for positioning mine, it lets you give just the right about of force.
