Keel Bolt

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J

jim Sheppard

I have noticed a leak from the keel bolt area (approx 2 gallons/hr) and have found a separation between the keel and hull (approx 3/8 in aft going to 0 forward). I assume my keel bolts need tightening. Does anyone have experience with this?--JMS
 
V

Vic

Sudden leaks at the keel bolts ...

don't just get tightened away ... you may have to rebed the keel to seal it and that happens out of the water. At which time you can try to find out what the cause is ... sounds like grounding damage and maybe the insurance can cover it. Vic
 
B

Bob Todd

Vic's correct...

Had to do the same to my 272LE. Take no shortcuts here, do it right the first time. Haul out, remove the keel, clean all mating surfaces, re-bed, re-install, torque to 160 ft/lb. Torque the two ends to approx 120 ft/lb, then the center. Continue to torque in the same sequence increasing by 10 ft/lb until 160 is reached. While the keel is off, check the condition of all threaded parts to ensure there's no damage. For the keel to have separated that far, there may be a problem other than loosening. Cheers, Bob Linkage below to my 272LE site.
 
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