Rusted Keel Bolt

[Dave Busby]

I'm about to buy a 86' 25.5 and it is in great shape,and the bilge is dry as a bone, but one of the keel bolts is covered in rust,(by the dinnet table) the others are bright and shinny. Any ideas on what to do?Does anyone know if I can replace the bolt? This isa deep fin keel model. Thanks

 

[Dan]

rust

Is the bolt itself rusting or is it just some surface rust from somewhere else? Have you hauled the boat out and checked the keel itself especially near the hull? Have you had the boat surveyed? That would be the first thing to do for the professional opinion.