Keel Bolts

[Irish Mist]

Hi, I have a 35 ketch built in 1968. Dave Boothman raised a interesting question on keel bolts. Here it is asking if anyone has had to replace their keel bolts.
Mine look OK–but you really can’t tell much by looking.

Here is Dave’s note. Let us have your thoughts.

Thanks Joe Slavin

Now I have a question concerning my 1973 Dickerson 36. It is the last of the wood hulls, I believe, or close to the last. I would like to know if anyone has had any problems with the keel bolts. I do not have any problems that I know of but I am upgrading for offshore and have some concern regarding the bolts. I think the bolts are embedded in the lead keel. Do you know if anyone has dropped the lead and inspected the bolts or is there an easier way?
Are there any other wood boat owners in the club?
I am also interested to know if anyone has faired out the wood keel and lead ballast with epoxy and how that worked out and method used.

Thanks for your time.

Regards,
Dave Boothman
SV Sophiep II

[Rainbow]

We need to find Tom Lucke who owned the yard when this boat and my boat were built. He surveyed Rainbow when she acquired me in 1993. He might be able to answer a lot of our questions. I’ll try to hunt him down.

[Irish Mist]

Hi,

I talked to a Marine Surveyor and he said there is no easy answer. On boats like Irish Mist he has seen bronze keel bolts OK after 50 years and some boats with Stainless Steel he has seen problems after 10 years. A lot depends on the construction and the quality of the metal. He said you need to worry if you see the wood sofetning or getting powdery around the keel bolt.

Joe

[Author]

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