Keel saga, for those contemplating this procedure for your boat...

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May 5, 2006
1,140
Knutson K-35 Yawl Bellingham
Classic brain fart... While working on clearing out the bedding material on the keel yesterday, I managed to forget about the laws of torque and gravity, getting my sawsall blade stuck in the process.

The keel joint has about a 1/4 inch of epoxy around the outside edge of the 5200 bead (yes, 5200) from an apparent attempt at sealing this keel before. Of course, I have to clear all of that out to separate the two. So here I am, happily cutting along while taking care to avoid the keel bolts hidden in the mess, when suddenly, the blade jams and turns to a pretzel.

With judicious use of my multitool, wedges and a mallet, I was finally able to extricate the blade without harming the boat. Needless to say, the customer doesn't get charged for the 1.5 hours I spent getting it out. He didn't forget to use wedges.....

Pictures later today. I'll be nice and keep everything in this one thread for you folks.
 

Ross

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Jun 15, 2004
14,693
Islander/Wayfairer 30 sail number 25 Perryville,Md.
When the blade on a sawsall gets stuck you get all shook-up. them things are powerful. I have had them get pinched in wood and that is bad enough for me. nothing got broke and nobody got hurt. Have a helper spray the blade with a lubricant while you cut it will help.
 
May 5, 2006
1,140
Knutson K-35 Yawl Bellingham
Yeah, weeeeell, this one was pinned between the hull and the lead of the keel. I had to do a bit of minor surgery to get it out.
 
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