Keel bolt corrosion
Posted by Nanandtuket@reddit | sailing | View on Reddit | 8 comments
How should I replace corroded keel bolts on a 1989 Tartan 31?
Posted by Nanandtuket@reddit | sailing | View on Reddit | 8 comments
How should I replace corroded keel bolts on a 1989 Tartan 31?
Kibbles_n_Bombs@reddit
Hey, was curious what the signs were that led to you changing the nuts and discovering this? The thread looks pretty good above the corrosion.
Nanandtuket@reddit (OP)
When the boat was hauled in fall of 2024 I noticed a leak from the keel to boat seam. Yard suggested dropping keel to reseal surfaces and bolts. When yard went to remove nuts on keel bolts they came off by hand only. All six bolts and nuts have corroded.
I spoke to Mars and you are correct BUT the guy who does the repairs is not able to work on lead keels due to his lead levels in blood above acceptable limit. They don’t know when they will be able to do it.
Also could not find anyone who does this as mobile service so I will have the yard sister new bolts by drilling new vertical bolt holes, removing keel, then drilling connected horizontal holes large enough to get a nut and washer in. Then epoxy horizontal holes and reattach keel to boat.
Kibbles_n_Bombs@reddit
Oof. I’ve got a tartan 34-2, there are some signs of corrosion on the washers and nuts, but the bolts look in good shape. When I had the boat hauled for purchase in the fall the seam was spotless so I believe it’s just superficial rust.
How much are you looking at for this work?
Nanandtuket@reddit (OP)
Probably $4-5K
CaptainMcSmoky@reddit
Bring it to the yard they'll have the kit and experience to do it safely, it's 100% not a DIY thing.
Much safer with a boat hoist and someone else taking it apart!
OldBowDude@reddit
Honestly, the best way is to have the yard do that job.
You could drill new holes through the sump into the keel, then drill an access hole that intersects with the new bolt hole so you can get a nut on the bolt end in the keel.
There are videos out there you can watch. You also need the consider how well the keel is bonded to the sump. That is usually done with 5200.
EmotioneelKlootzak@reddit
Considering this is a complex job that can kill you if you do it wrong enough, it's probably worth having a professional do it, like you said. Plus a disinterested third party is unlikely to be tempted to rationalize, corner cut, or kludge something together like the average boat owner usually is on their own boat.
Gone2SeaOnACat@reddit
Why? The threads are good! /s