Keel lock down bolt has been fiberglassed over

[Steve French]

Bought a catalina 22 (1973) yesterday. Today I found the keel lockdown bolt has been removed and fiberglassed over. What is it's use, and can you sail without it. If not any ideas how to fix it? Thanks

 

[Rex]

keel lock down bolt

The ony way to get the bolt back in would be to grind off the glass. You will then see if you could replace the bolt to lock the keel down or if indeed you need to grind further to remove the strap that houses the lock down bolt and replace the the strap assembly. This item is avaliable from Catalina Direct including the directions. They most likely glassed it because it because it leaked. You should have the lock down bolt in place to avoid having the keel do massive damage in the event of a capsize, flipping back though the hull. It happened to a c-22 last year in my area!

 

[Paul Blecharczyk]

Missing Lock Down Bolt

I also bought a 1973 with a glassed over lock down bolt. I left it that way in favor of devoting the time and money to more worthwhile improvements like bilge pumps, standing rigging and forestay reinforcement. I do not believe it's worth the effort to restore the original locking bolt because I belive it is undersized and cannot be counted upon to hold back the swinging momentum of a 500 pound keel. If you watch the forums on this subject, there are two divided camps. The greatest damage may come in a 180 rollover which whould probably de-mast you anyway. A 1973 is only worth in the ballpark of $2000.

 

[Steve French]

Thanks for the responce gentlemen

Thanks for your opinions on the subject!