Leak from Bolt-on Keel Joint

[Keith]

I have a 1973 O'Day 23, with the bolted-on shoal draft cast iron keel (weight about 1200lbs). I am experiencing some minor leakage into the bildge, and suspect the keel joint.- Can small leaks be resolved by tightening bolts and/or running a bead of below-waterline sealant around the keel at the hull? - Under what circumstances should you actually remove and re-bed/re-bolt the keel?- Does anyone know the torque for the bolts?Appreciate any experience anyone can offer.

 

[Mel3909]

water in bilge

I have the same boat. I have rainwater in the bilge which comes in from either the deck-hull joint or the mast step. I haven't figured it out. First check to see if the water in your bilge is sweet or salt.Mel

 

[Dave K]

Cockpit drain?

The bilge is usually the lowest place in the hull so water from a leak anywhere in the boat will end up there. On two boats I've had, cracks in the plumbing for the cockpit drain have resulted alarming amounts of water appearing in the bilge.I would think that the keel to hull joint would be very reliable - was there an event, like grounding the boat hard, that makes you think the joint is opening up?

 

[Don]

Other Places to Look for Leaks

Keith,I have an '80 O,day 23. I don't beleive there is a lot of difference in the keel construction between the 73 and 80. I have found the keel-hull to be very water tight. I would check other sources for your leak. Mel and Dave K have given you a couple of places to start looking. Also check the swing keel pendant tube where it exits the keel. I have seen leaks there. Also, don't forget that the cooler locateted under the steps (at least on my '80) drains in to the bilge. Good Luck!

 

[Keith]

Good Stuff

Great details on the process of tightening up the boat. Thanks for sharing your experiences. I'm going to clean off the bottom paint at the joint and try seal inspection and torque check, before I tackle removing the keel. Thanks again.