Keel lock bolt questions

[Jim]

My Venture of Newport23 I bought is missing its keel lock bolt. Is it a regular 3/8 x 4 or 5inch bolt and nut? Does it have rubber washers like the keel pivot bolt? Do the holes in the keel "trunk" have to be plugged to keep water out? There's 4 holes.

 

[Gary Studdard]

What I know

I can't vouch for the 23, but the lock bolt on the 22 is 3/8 x 3.5". You do need rubber washers on each side.

 

[Bob]

Keel lock-down bolt

The hole is above the waterline so it won't leak in, but a lot of water can slop in as the keel moves unless the holes are plugged. The keel is designed to rest against the bolt or to have the bolt through it, otherwise the keel may grind against the fiberglas trunk front.