Tragic Keel bolt failure

[donvanv]

The recent loss of s/v Cheeki Rafiki (a Beneteau 40.7) on May 23 in the middle of the Atlantic should be of great concern to all Beneteau owners as well as other boat owners with similar keel attachment bolts.

After finding the the inverted hull, but tragically no crew was found, it is apparent that the cause of the loss of the keel was a failure of the bolts that hold it on!
http://www.maritime-executive.com/article/Keel-Failure-On-a-Mission-to-Save-Lives-2014-06-23
While there is no indication of a fundamental design flaw, I am just wondering whether Beneteau corp is investigating along with other agencies such as MAIB.

I am waiting for all results to come in and would like to know what new procedures might be suggested for surveyors and owners to inspect the keel and attachment bolts.

Don - a new Beneteau 36cc owner who recently moved from a full keel Baba

 

[4arch]

One of the upsides of the Beneteau cast iron keel design is that the bolts are not cast into the keel as they are with most lead bolt-on keels. Instead, they thread into metal plates in the casting which allows easy removal. Per the Beneteau FAQ, the bolts can be removed, inspected, and changed one at a time. The cost for replacements direct from Beneteau is only about $15/bolt.

 

[Kings Gambit]

Evidently, the boat Cheeki Rafiki had been in charter service with the UK company Stormforce Coaching for several years, and had crossed the Atlantic to participate in Antigua Race Week, and then return home in time for the summer charter season out of South Hampton. Apparently, Cheeki Rafiki had completed that loop in prior years. It was suggested here (prior thread) that Stormforce maintains very high standards of vessel maintenance in support of their international race charter program. But how often would an owner haul a boat and drop the keel to examine for compromise? Shouldn't it be done prior to an Atlantic crossing, or at least yearly? Who would do that as a matter of course? Is there a difference between lead keel, versus iron keel, bolt integrity?

 

[donvanv]

I don't think the keel would have to be dropped to remove and replace bolts one at a time given the number of bolts supporting the keel. It seems that it could be done with boat in the water. Also if keel was removed, there would be a lot of fiberglass work to be done where keel meets hull; correct?

 

[Kings Gambit]

One of the upsides of the Beneteau cast iron keel design is that the bolts are not cast into the keel as they are with most lead bolt-on keels. Instead, they thread into metal plates in the casting which allows easy removal. Per the Beneteau FAQ, the bolts can be removed, inspected, and changed one at a time. The cost for replacements direct from Beneteau is only about $15/bolt.

Well, then it seems something evidently this simple should be done on a regular schedule; how long to rust one or more keel bolts to weakened condition?; or was it that one or more were just plain loose, as the surveyor remarked in this article?

 

[SoSound]

I had the keel bolts replaced on our previous boat and the cost was about the same as getting the bottom painted.

If you are pushing your boat to its limits and beyond, I'd think that keel bolts would be thoroughly evaluated (and possibly) replaced on a regular basis. If your boat is just a 'daily driver', then periodic routine visual inspection, cleaning, and occasional check of the torque should be sufficient.

If I had recently purchased a boat that was 'only cruised to church on Sundays', I wouldn't worry much beyond the visual inspection and then check the torque the next time I did bottom paint. If I'd purchased a boat that had regularly been raced offshore, then I think a more complete evaluation would be necessary.

My previous hobby was amateur formula car racing. We basically did a thorough visual inspection and torqued every critical nut, bolt, and stud on the car after every on track session (15 - 30 minutes). My philosophy was; if you'd be embarrassed if it fell off, then check it.

 

[Kings Gambit]

I admit not knowing the torque requirement or proper maintenance schedule for the keel bolts on my Bavaria 38E. There are 12 total; five tandem pairs plus two singles up forward. They are about 25 mm diameter SS; each a threaded (all-thread) bolt embedded in a fully-lead keel and doubled-nutted to the sole of the bilge with backing washers. However, two pairs each share a separate steel backing plate oriented athwartship. I don't even have a wrench aboard that fits the nuts. The Bavaria Owners Manual for this model is a joke by way of useful information on that and most other topics. However, I suppose few manufacturers would advise you in their Owner's Manual to routinely check the tighten of the keel bolts so the thing won't loosen up, work free, and then fall off if crossing the North Atlantic Ocean in a storm!

 

[Ron20324]

Every haul-out, while the boat is on it's keel, I take a wrench to the bolts. Sometimes they creep a little, but that is a little more than they should. Not knowing what the torque should be, at least tightening it as much as i can is a must-do.

 

[SoSound]

I don't think keel bolt torque would be a closely guarded secret… I think one call to Marion or maybe even the nearest dealer would get you those numbers. But, for a DIY'er (like myself), then you'd need to invest in a rather large torque wrench.