Rusted Keel Bolts

[Rick]

I have a 78 Catalina 30 and the keel bolts are pretty rusted and deteriorating, is there a danger of the keel breaking off if they get too badly deteriorated or is the keel fiberglassed in well enough where that is not a concern? Can the keel bolts be replaced if need be?

 

[James Taylor]

You have a problem!

I would have a professional look at this problem right a way. This could be only surface rust, but I wouldn't take any chances.

 

[Bob Camarena]

Check Catalina Association Tech Manual

Check out the National C-30 Association's web site for Dick Dickens' Tech Manual. It is a compilation of Tech Talk articles from the Mainsheet magazine and has a number of articles on keel bolts, including do-it-yourself replacement.One test I've heard of is to tap the bolts with a hammer. Bad bolts will sound dull, whereas good ones will have a ring to them.