Keelbolts

[Justus]

Hi Everyone,My wife and I are thinking of buying a Catalina 27. I just ran accoss one in Maryland. But have questions about the keel. There are horizontal cracks about 1/3 up from the bottom. Is it possible to change the bolts and "retighten" the keel? There seem to be no cracks closer to the boat. What should I do?Thanks

 

[Mike]

Yes, you can call Catalina Direct.com about the keel bolts, they sell a new keel mounting braket for $100. You will have to get it grinded down to fit.

 

[Gene]

Cracks

This sounds like it may be the "Catalina Smile", if so it is not just a question of tightening up loose keel bolts. I have a 27 and am in the process of this repair. I have read a lot of the posts and there are as many different opinions as to the cause; hit something, design flaw, craddled improperly, etc. In my opinion it must be a design flaw (which covers all possibilities as if it were designed properly it wouldn't happen.)But I believe your real question was if I have these cracks, can I just tighten up the bolts and fix it. The answer to that is NO. First need to verify if it is at the lead keel/ fibreglass joint. Wasn't sure from your description. You can check the Photo Forum for pictures of this Smile joint. Then check your keel bolts; are they tight (60 ft/lbs torque.) If you find during this torque test that bolts are broken, etc. Catalina does sell a lag bolt repair (can't comment on this fix.) After you have verified or fixed the bolt problem you still have the cracks to fix. Once again there appears to be a wide range of recommendations from caulk it and don't worry about it, to stripping off the joint glass and redoing (a major job.)

 

[Roger]

Check archives

Justus,Check the archives on this site for last year. I bought a C27 in May; keel nuts were badly corroded. The selling yard replaced the nuts, but now the boat has a constant leak, as they did not reseal the connection. I am having the keel reset and sealed over the winter.Lots to know about keelbolts!Hope you get the C27. We love ours!Roger

 

[Ron F.]

considering a C27

I just bought a C27, 1982 (5110). I am glad you found this site. Besides the keelbolts, there are other recommended upgrades that you should be aware of, besides the 'Catalina smile".Chainplates for the shrouds, spreader upgrade from cast aluminum to stainless, and cjanging the keel bolts (and nuts) to stainless are among the most common. These items are listed on the "unofficial catalina 27 website" if you haven't got here from there.The best part about owning a Catalina is this website and the people willing to help. If it is your first boat, as it is mine, the info here is invaluable. If you are a do-it-yourselfer, the Catalina and this forum is the only way to go. Good luck

 

[Roger]

Ron F

Ron,My 1982 is hull 5012. If you want to correspond about sister ship issues (5411?) etc, drop me an email at artsdean@aol.comSummer will return on your sound and mine.Roger