SWING KEEL BOLT LEAK

[R. MERRITT]

My C22 has developed a small crack in the fiberglass next to the swing-keel bolt where it passes through the hull. I would very much appreciate any advice or comments about how to repair this slow leak. I am concerned that in anything but light weather the force of the keel on the bolt will cause the crack to open and cause more damage.

 

[David Bergevin]

leak?

Is your leak through the fiberglass or is the bolt itself allowing the water in?I have found that if I coat the threads of the bolt with heavy grease(like for the trailer hubs), that the water leak stops quite nicely.

 

[Dick of Sylvan]

Glass

I agree with Dave and would try the grease trick, we all seem to have to do that from time to time. If instead its a fiberglass crack, you'll need to glass it closed. Probably dig into it to remove any dirt and debris, then use a good resin or epoxy glass mix, ending up with a woven glass over the top. I'd sure recommend that if you do this, have a good fan to give you fresh air as you'll be in a tight working area with some tough volatile solvents. Dick