Removing keel bolts

[Doug T.]

Speaking of rusty keel bolts....I have some very slight leaks around three of my keel bolts. I've been thinking of removing them to inspect them, replace if necessary, and then rebed and reseal them. Is it safe to pull them out one at a time while I'm on the hard?(This is a 1977 Hunter 27.)

 

[Ed Schenck]

Don't think that you can.

Pull them out that is. If like my H37C the bolts are actually a long 'L' imbedded deeply in the lead. I bought a deep socket at Sears, 1 1/4" I think, to keep them tight. You could remove the nuts and washers, clean out around the bolt, and fill with epoxy. Then when you reinstall put a good silicon under the washer.