ODay 32 Keel bolts

[Rich Meyer]

I have a project ODay 32, that has not been maintained for 10 years. Salt water has corroded the keel bolts. They are J-bolts, and can't be removed. The shipyard told me the only repair they stand behind is to have a new keel cast, and replace the old one. They do not have a source for a new casting, thus it would be up to me to find a replacement. Does anyone have a source? Is there a good alternative? I have heard you can drill new holes in the lead, put in a new stainless rod, and fill the void with epoxy, or drill carrage bolts through the hull, lead, and into the bilge. Any suggestions or recommendations? The boat is the fixed keel ketch modelThanks, Rich

 

[Don Evans]

Keel

Rich, I emailed a fellow OD32 owner, for his opinion, so hopefully he checks in here. I have an article on this type of repair. If your interested in seeing it I can fax it to you. Email me with your fax #. I have no personal experience with keels, and this is the first time I have heard of this problem in the larger O'days. I thought this model would have had an encapsulated keel. Your sure there J bolts? I have a source for keel casting in Ontario, but I think your yard is getting way a head of itself. You have a good chance of redrilling new bolt holes and inserting new bolts, from what I have read. I would get a second opinion, perhaps from a surveyor. Removal of a keel, casting of a new one and replacement has to be a very expensive repair. Your wise to seek alternatives.Don

 

[Mike McIntire]

O'Day 32 keel

Rich,I'm assuming that you are talking about the O'Day 32 Center Cockpit boat, right? I have the sloop model, with the semi-full keel (shoal draft) and centerboard. I haven't had any problems with keel bolts rusting, as it seems to me that the keel is encapsulated. I haven't had reason to remove the bottom paint to check, however.Maybe you've got the 322, which has a fin keel? Don't know much about that model.For O'Day parts in general, or good information, try calling Rudy at D&R Marine -- Telephone (508) 644-3001 Fax (508) 644-3002. Rudy is a former parts manager for O'Day and still sells (and makes) lots of parts.I have some other O'Day info on my web site at http://oday.home.att.net

 

[david lewis]

Keel Bolts

Once the keel is removed from the boat why not just drill out the bolts and surrounding lead and then cast new bolts into the keel if required? If the material was machined out in such a way that the new lead would be retained in a dovetail or similar shape i would think it would do the trick? I know pilots point marina in Ct. casts new keels, I saw a few made there many years back. I agree it would be a huge expense.

 

[Justin - O'day Owners' Web]

Get another opinion

Rich -I recently went through the same pains you are experiencing now regarding the keel bolts on my Catalina 25. After being told the same as you - new keel or no guarantee, I was able to get enough information to fix the issues myself. My situation was different from yours, no doubt, but get someone else in to look at it, because there is almost certainly a better way to do it.Take Don up on his offer of faxing you the keelbolt article, its helpfulGood luck !Justin - O'day Owners' Web