Water leak from my keel joint

[Lusitano]

Hi, has anyone dealt with this keel leak problem on a 1984 hunter 34?
I really want to take the keel off and re-caulk the whole thing but that not only sounds like a monumental job (if done by me) but also very pricey.
Thanks

 

[Terry Cox]

Different model boat here, but have dealt with a leaking keel. Best way to fix it is to drop the keel, clean up the stub surfaces and re-bed with 3M-5200. Did this in 2004 and has remained leak free ever since after cruising several thousand miles in PNW waters.

 

[kloudie1]

Had a problem after smacking an unmarked underwater pipe.. Re-torqued the bolts and resealed the joint and have not had a problem in the past 25 years. We did not drop the keel, instead, after re-torquing, we ground a shallow "V" into the joint and resealed with 5200.

 

[dmax]

The problem with the keel joint leaking is that the keel bolts are then exposed to water which may become oxygen starved and cause corrosion of the bolts. Boats from that era typically have 304 Stainless keel bolts, not as corrosion-resistant as the preferred 316 Stainless. On most boats, either the bolts or the adhesive will keep the keel attached to the boat by themselves but you want both of them to be intact. Determine if the original adhesive/sealant in the keel is breaking down or is still in good shape and just has a couple of voids. The only true fix is to drop the keel, examine the bolts and re-do the bedding as Terry says. If you think the bolts and bedding are Ok, you can do what Kloudie1 suggest, digging as deep into the joint as you can.

Here is an example of what can happen to your keel bolts when exposed to water:

 

[Crazy Dave Condon]

@dmax said it all as he hit it on the nail. Suggest dropping the keel to check the keel bolts. Did it a time or two in my yard as as a former dealer