Keel Bolt torque

[Debra]

I was cleaning up the bottom for painting and wanted to smooth out the front of the hull/keel seam. Now that I have removed the old filler my keel has a 1/4-3/8 inch seperation from the hull. I plan on filling it with epoxy and tightening the keel bolts but don't know what torque to use. Can't tell if keel moves as the boat is on dry ground. Any input is appreciated.Debra

 

[Carl foster]

Keel gap

Keep in mind that if you are on a keel block on the hard,the gap would diminish if possible by itself that is why there was filler in the gap.Also stainless steel in the absence of air will corrode to a certain degree,thus negating getting an accurate torqe reading.Most keel bolt nuts will not move in either direction. Probably best to fill and fair and see how it looks on next haulout.

 

[Ed Schenck]

Torque values.

I was never successful in getting values from Hunter for my H37C. These are heavy duty bolts and nuts. I use a deep socket(1 1/4"?) and a twelve inch handle and tighten until the nut will not turn. I have never had any water from the keel that I know of. The keel joint has no signs of separation.Just splashed her this morning!! The old Yanmar started right up, what a sweetheart.

 

[Val]

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