| Subject: Re: KEEL BOLTS |
Author:
Delia & Chris
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Date Posted: Wednesday, October 11, 09:28:37am
In reply to:
Mark Harvey
's message, "KEEL BOLTS" on Wednesday, August 09, 09:02:02pm
Hi Mark, yes I believe that the keel bolts may have been replaced twice on our 1974 Pandora and the last time they were done was by ourselves in Spring 2005 as our marine survey required it. They were showing signs of rust on the heads so surveyor suggested replacing them for safety.
I know it was a nightmare job getting to them. Our biggest problem was in getting them out - they were completely ceased in place and no amount of WD40 or elbow grease or any other magic substance was going to help, so we decided we had to cut them. We bought an angle grinder, but then discovered it wouldn't fit into the available space. At this point, my hubby Chris was in despair and in the interests of marital harmony I suggested buying him a Dremmel hobby drill for the occasion.
This was both a welcome suggestion and a definite success as the Dremmel was able to get into the space. We had tested this already with another drill - a cheap B&Q copy that I had bought him 2 Christmases before, but to be frank it was not strong enough for the job. The Dremmel was and was worth every penny and cut through those bolts in no time. You can get such a wide range of attachments and they come into their own on boats and MG classic cars as, like me, they are small enough to get into all the little awkward places!
Once we had solved how to get the bolts out and bought the drill, it was almost a piece of cake (I say the royal 'we' here, as it was mostly Chris doing the job whilst I did surface prep on the antifouling or something). One of the most important things is to take the bolts out in succession. My Dad (who built his own Kestrel 22), suggested a certain order but in principle you take out one bolt at a time and replace it. This sounds obvious as the keel might drop off otherwise or you may have trouble seating bolts again if you take off to many at once, but when you are keen to complete an important job you can sometimes miss the obvious in your enthusiasm!
It's worth noting that it's probably my fault the keel bolts went for the second time in the first place. A little prevention is a great deal better than cure - the boat was mine before I met my husband and when we decommissioned it in Winter 1999 to go and work in Ireland and then Wales, I forgot to lift the board covering the keel bolts and check the area was dry. The result is that I probably left sea water laying on the bolts and it had a good four years before we were able to recommission her again to do it's damage. A good lesson to learn I think. Every winter or after extended cruising, Chris always remembers to check now. I think he's forgiven me - just!
If you intend to complete the job yourself, which was really no problem for us once we had saved the bolt extraction problem, then you'll probably be best to get some more detail. For this you'll need the engineer - not the oily rag! I merely helped as assistant, chief morale supporter and problem solver. Post a message on the board or send us an email (we don't think to check the message board that regularly) if you want further info and I am sure Chris will be happy to supply. Delia.
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