My Oday 27 has a lead keel held on by 3 stainless bolts. These began to leak last year and are worse this year. I'd be glad of advice on what to do (short of removing the keel and refitting it).
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Could be just loose
The leaks could be caused by loose nuts. They can be tightend using these big torque wrenches. Find the factory specs, then you can go the a boat yard and have them tighten it. It is a 5-10 minute job, and the boat yard can work you into their schedule easily. Just make sure it is tighten to spec. The next time you haul it out, check it out for cracks, or water, and seal it. If it still leaks, well, then you may have to refit it.
The leaks could be caused by loose nuts. They can be tightend using these big torque wrenches. Find the factory specs, then you can go the a boat yard and have them tighten it. It is a 5-10 minute job, and the boat yard can work you into their schedule easily. Just make sure it is tighten to spec. The next time you haul it out, check it out for cracks, or water, and seal it. If it still leaks, well, then you may have to refit it.
Hubert, Short of dropping the keel
enough to reseal the keel/hull joint, I don't think you will fix it properly. The idea is to keep water out where it doesn't belong. If you don't keep it away from the keel bolts, this could be a problem. Tightening the bolts may slow the leak (possibly to an undectable level) but until the keel/hull joint is properly sealed, it will leak. Edited after reading your first post:You possibly could last the season by tightening the bolts but know that it is a temp fix. good luck, r.wlandau
enough to reseal the keel/hull joint, I don't think you will fix it properly. The idea is to keep water out where it doesn't belong. If you don't keep it away from the keel bolts, this could be a problem. Tightening the bolts may slow the leak (possibly to an undectable level) but until the keel/hull joint is properly sealed, it will leak. Edited after reading your first post:You possibly could last the season by tightening the bolts but know that it is a temp fix. good luck, r.wlandau
Yes, you should eventually get it fixed.
Yes, as I have said before, make sure the next time you haul it out, check it out for cracks, or water, and seal it. You do not have to totally drop the keel. When you haul it out next time, ask them to watch for drips spots after they pressure wash the hull. That will indicate where it needs to be sealed. A good boat yard is experienced at doing that. They will cut away enough space around the crack for the new adhesive epoxy to stick. I would not suggest you do it yourself. Keel is not something you want to fiddle with yourself. Since it has already been leaking for over a year, it probably won't do that much more damage for another season. Just tightening the bolts should get you through the summer. Talk to your boatyard. If they are good, they will give you the right advice. This is no biggie, happens often to many boats, and can be easily taken care of. Happy boating.
Yes, as I have said before, make sure the next time you haul it out, check it out for cracks, or water, and seal it. You do not have to totally drop the keel. When you haul it out next time, ask them to watch for drips spots after they pressure wash the hull. That will indicate where it needs to be sealed. A good boat yard is experienced at doing that. They will cut away enough space around the crack for the new adhesive epoxy to stick. I would not suggest you do it yourself. Keel is not something you want to fiddle with yourself. Since it has already been leaking for over a year, it probably won't do that much more damage for another season. Just tightening the bolts should get you through the summer. Talk to your boatyard. If they are good, they will give you the right advice. This is no biggie, happens often to many boats, and can be easily taken care of. Happy boating.
Thanks again
thanks again J.C., and to R.W.L. It is like one of our Nova Scotian fogs has suddenly lifted. I'm really grateful. Hubert
thanks again J.C., and to R.W.L. It is like one of our Nova Scotian fogs has suddenly lifted. I'm really grateful. Hubert
Keel bolts leaking...
I just completed the restoration of a 25 ft leaded keel boat. While out on dry dock I made sure that all the bolts were tight, I sealed a space between the keel and hull with 5200, marinetex and finished with fiberglass. The bilge where the bolts are is dryer now while the boat is in the water than when it was on the hard. For a temporary fix try tightenining the bolts seal them with a silicon rubber. Or if you can take the boat out of the water, seal the keel with 5200 at the hull to keel joint. Three bolts for a leaded keel seems a little lightweight. I have 8 bolts for a 25' boat!
I just completed the restoration of a 25 ft leaded keel boat. While out on dry dock I made sure that all the bolts were tight, I sealed a space between the keel and hull with 5200, marinetex and finished with fiberglass. The bilge where the bolts are is dryer now while the boat is in the water than when it was on the hard. For a temporary fix try tightenining the bolts seal them with a silicon rubber. Or if you can take the boat out of the water, seal the keel with 5200 at the hull to keel joint. Three bolts for a leaded keel seems a little lightweight. I have 8 bolts for a 25' boat!
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