We just purchased a 91 Hunter 30T. Unfortunately, after the boat was transported we noticed a small crack(s) in the keel. Both cracks are at the top of the keel, approx 2" from the boat bottom. One is at the front section running around each side about 7" long. The other is at the back end and runs on both sides approx 4" long. Neither appears to be significant. We are fairly new sailors and have not had alot of experience and have been sailing a 25' catalina, retractable keel The boat hauler (who we felt we could trust) said he has seen this alot and occurrs when the boat gets grounded. He also indicated it would be like that for 100 years! ????? The previous owner just had the bottom repainted in the fall of 2001 and was not made aware by the people who did the work. Is this something we should be serious about because we are getting ready to launch into Lake Michigan on 7/24! Anyone's help is appreciated! Susan
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Similar
When I first got a Vision 32, I had it hauled for inspection. It was nine months old. There were similar 'cracks' as you describe them. It was where the keel attached to the fiberglass sub-keel. I had them V-ed out and reworked. Also had the keel bolts snugged up. No problem thereafter for nine years. You may have the same thing. If so, no big deal. Have a boat mechanic look at it. RD
When I first got a Vision 32, I had it hauled for inspection. It was nine months old. There were similar 'cracks' as you describe them. It was where the keel attached to the fiberglass sub-keel. I had them V-ed out and reworked. Also had the keel bolts snugged up. No problem thereafter for nine years. You may have the same thing. If so, no big deal. Have a boat mechanic look at it. RD
MAYBE it is just a cosmetic problem.
Hi, Check if the cracks stop just at the level of the keel holding screws. If such is the case then I would think it is just a cosmetic problem that can be easyly solved. There are a lot of questions like yours in the forums. Go to the Forums search engine and check the words: keel hull cracks. Good luck, Rafael Perez
Hi, Check if the cracks stop just at the level of the keel holding screws. If such is the case then I would think it is just a cosmetic problem that can be easyly solved. There are a lot of questions like yours in the forums. Go to the Forums search engine and check the words: keel hull cracks. Good luck, Rafael Perez
Check the archives
You'll find these cracks on most Hunters of this age. Check the archives for lots of articles on how to repair if you choose, or whether to ignore, which many do. I see these cracks at every outhaul. Hunter suggests opening with a Dremmel tool, filling with 5200, and glassing over with a couple of layers of cloth and resin. That is what I did last haulout After reseaching and contacting Hunter, I wrote up my procedure and posted it last fall. You'll find it among many others.
You'll find these cracks on most Hunters of this age. Check the archives for lots of articles on how to repair if you choose, or whether to ignore, which many do. I see these cracks at every outhaul. Hunter suggests opening with a Dremmel tool, filling with 5200, and glassing over with a couple of layers of cloth and resin. That is what I did last haulout After reseaching and contacting Hunter, I wrote up my procedure and posted it last fall. You'll find it among many others.
Thanks To Everyone for Help! Susan
Thanks to Everyone for responding. It makes me feel a little more at ease! Susan
Thanks to Everyone for responding. It makes me feel a little more at ease! Susan
Cracks
Hi Susan We have a '91 33.5. She has two cracks where the keel joins the hull. They have always been there and will continue to be there until we sell her. Every year I grind and fill these cracks.I have never experienced any problems nor do I anticipate any. Happy Sailing
Hi Susan We have a '91 33.5. She has two cracks where the keel joins the hull. They have always been there and will continue to be there until we sell her. Every year I grind and fill these cracks.I have never experienced any problems nor do I anticipate any. Happy Sailing
Rick Dinnon has Best Answer
The keel is bolted to the hull but before it is the keel has sealant put on where the keel and hull mate. When the keel bolts are tightened this squishes and forms a watertight bond. When the keel crack occurs it is possible that the bond is broken. The sealant is plyable so by snugging up on the the keel bolts this would eliminate any flexing at the mating surface. After sealing the crack (probably have to heat-lamp it) it can be barrier coated (my recommendation) and bottom painted and like Rick said you should be good to go for many years. However, having said this, I'd recommend calling Hunter Customer Service at their 800 number to see what they would recommend. They could provide the keel bolt torque values (at least they did for me but based on some prior posts here apparently they don't do this for everybody - maybe it depends on how busy they are?)
The keel is bolted to the hull but before it is the keel has sealant put on where the keel and hull mate. When the keel bolts are tightened this squishes and forms a watertight bond. When the keel crack occurs it is possible that the bond is broken. The sealant is plyable so by snugging up on the the keel bolts this would eliminate any flexing at the mating surface. After sealing the crack (probably have to heat-lamp it) it can be barrier coated (my recommendation) and bottom painted and like Rick said you should be good to go for many years. However, having said this, I'd recommend calling Hunter Customer Service at their 800 number to see what they would recommend. They could provide the keel bolt torque values (at least they did for me but based on some prior posts here apparently they don't do this for everybody - maybe it depends on how busy they are?)
Keel
The elastomeric coumpound that Hunter uses on the keel surface is 3M 5200. We once had to remove a defective keel and after removing the bolts the keel was still held on by the compound. Just fill the area with 5200 if you feel it is necessary, but never barrier coat over the 5200 as it stays elastic and can break your barrier coat seal.
The elastomeric coumpound that Hunter uses on the keel surface is 3M 5200. We once had to remove a defective keel and after removing the bolts the keel was still held on by the compound. Just fill the area with 5200 if you feel it is necessary, but never barrier coat over the 5200 as it stays elastic and can break your barrier coat seal.
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