Keel Bolt weeping

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S

Scott

I've owned my 25.5 for ten years and have always had a dry bilge, at least it's always been freshwater in bilge when water does appear. This year though I noticed after launching that I have a small amount of saltwater, less than a couple of tablespoons, in the bilge around the aft keel bolt. This only appears after I've been out sailing. My question is can I fix this weep while the boat is in the water?
 
Jun 14, 2005
0
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Underwater repair

You can apply Life Calk underwater. Because Life Calk's curing is temperature and humidity dependent, you can apply the caulking and launch immediately, or even apply it while underwater. The tricky part to applying it underwater is to make sure the surface is clean & oil free. It is generally good to apply while the boat is out of the water so that you can properly prepare the surface, but if you can't do that, applying it underwater will work, keeping in mind that any contamination of the surface, however, may affect the longevity of the adhesion.
 
May 11, 2005
3,431
Seidelman S37 Slidell, La.
Might I suggest

Run down to your local hardware or auto supply and fing the fattest O ring you can fing that is the proper inside diameter to fit over the keel bolt. Pull the nut off, clean everything up as best you can, slap a little Life Caulk on the O ring, slide it over the bolt, add a stainless washer and then re install the nut. This should be no problem with the boat in the water.
 
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