Spring Keel at St. Francis Yacht ClubMarch 3 - 4
Result
PosBoatTotalRace 1Race 2Race 3
1Witchy Woman6213
2Motorcycle Irene9126
3Baffett10631
4Wile E Coyote15744
5Magic Bus17458
6Xena18972
7El Raton193115
8Moxie20569
9Bessie Jay3112127
10Mirage3111911
11Peaches3214810
12Elise35131012
13Kolibri3781415
14Opa!39101514
14Wild Mojo41151313
15Radio Flyer4916DNF16
export csv

Regatta Message Board

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Author: Brendan
Subject: Keel bolt removal/ replacement?
Info: (10716 views) Posted: Monday 4-4-16 11:18:09 AM
The keel bolts are integral to the keel and should not (can not) be removed. Also do not remove your keel from the hull simply to "check" the keel bolts--you may do more damage than good.

However, they should be inspected and tightened periodically, and the nuts and washers can be renewed.

Refreshing keel bolts involves removing the nuts (one at a time), cleaning the threads and area around threads as best possible. Inspect as you can, add polysulfide underneath the washer and replace the nuts (without lubricant).

Do not overtighten keel bolts--they do not need a cheater bar to tighten. Standard torque specification for 1/2" stainless bolts is 45 ft/lbs, which is not super tight (car lugnuts are generally specified to around 90 ft/lbs). Overtightening is more likely to lead to bolt failure than undertightening.

In the fleet, only one boat has suffered a keel bolt failure. After researching this issue, it seems best to trust your keel bolts but also: never stand under a hoisted boat.

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