keel hull joint

[catherine]

I have a 1991 First 285. This year when it was pulled out of the water, it had a small but noticeably different gap between the keel and the hull. The marina says that their attempts to adjust the boat position won't close/narrow the gap. They are suggesting that the keel be dropped, the keel/hull joint be prepped and re-bedded and the keel re-installed.
We have never had water leakage in the boat. Before I give the go ahead, I wanted to know 1)if any other 285 or similiar boat has had to do this and 2) if so, do you know what caused the problem? I am not convinced that all of this is necessary but I also am concerned that the gap is there. Any comments would be appreciated. Thanks.

 

[eo]

Ballast / Routine Maintenance On Keel To Hull Joint



Visually inspect the keel to hull joint. It is not uncommon to have a small (1/8") gap at the front and rear seam of the keel to deck joint. This is caused by the keel having a flat top and the hull having a rounded shape. The gap should be cleaned with mineral spirits, allowed to dry and filled with 3-M 5200 Marine Adhesive.

 

[catherine]

Thanks. I hope that's all there is to it.

 

[mac1840]

I also had a 1988 285 and the manual for it which stated exactly what was recommended by eo above. This is normal. Just keep a check on the nuts/washers on the inside which tend to rust badly. I found that once I got them clean I didn't want to paint them as coatings tend to always crack over time. I used anhydrous lanolin, which you can get at a pharmacy and coated the keel bolts and nuts with. It keeps them clean and easier to maintain since it can be rubbed off and its very hydrophobic, which keeps the water off them.

Mac

 

[catherine]

Thanks Mac.