I have a 1975 pearson 26w with a cast Iron keel and galvanized keel bolts The bilge is always dry the bolts do not leak they never did in the 13 years Ive owned the boat. There is no rust. upon haul out at the end of the season the joint between the hull and keel is tight My philosophy has always been, If it ain`t broke don`t fix it. Any opinions?
Keel bolts Inspection
- Thread starter bffatcat
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If it were my boat I would make the same call. Getting those galv. keel bolts out is likely a lost cause, requiring the need to cut them off and tap new threads into the keel. In addition to looking for water in the bilge I would inspect the hull and inner structure to look for damage and distortion. And I would do so every year during haul-out, looking for separation from the hull. Sounds like a well built boat in good shape.
The only way I know to really "check" keel bolts is to lay a 2x4 just below the seam between the keel & hull and whack it a few times with a 20# sledge hammer. With your palm along the seam, if there is any movement at all, you have a problem. It should be done several times in case you break one (or more) and don't feel it that whack. Sounds brutal, but your keel bolts should be able to stand a lot bigger shock than a 20# sledge can deliver!
Today there may be better technology for checking the keel bolts, but I don't know of it.
Today there may be better technology for checking the keel bolts, but I don't know of it.
I just drilled and tapped, and added 12 new bolts into the cast iron on my boat. Now I simply don't worry.
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