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Catalina/Capri 25/250 Sailor's Forums

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Rusty Keel Bolts

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Andrew
Deckhand

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USA
2 Posts

Initially Posted - 11/07/2005 : 19:49:17

I recently bought a 1977 Catalina 25. In the bilge, I have what appears to be five pieces of approx. 5/8 threaded rod sticking through with nuts on four of them. I say this but they more closely resemble clumps of rust. This is a standard fin keel boat. Should I be concerned about this? I feel that the keel bolts are original. My boat has only been in fresh water. My bilge stays dry but I'm worried about a grounding. As before should I be concerned about this?

Edited by - on

Happy D
Admiral

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921 Posts

Response Posted - 11/08/2005 : 02:46:51

Hello Andrew,
Welcome to the group and congratulations on your new boat!
Definitely I would be worried about rusty keel bolts that look like lumps of rust and one missing. Your keel bolts should look like this:

"Photo borrowed without permision"

If you search the recent archives, you'll find that, even if your keel bolts are as sterile as Frank's, there could be underlying damage even if they are stainless steel. You should get them replaced right away and then worry about the other 390,538 things there is to worry about.

There are many on this site that are very knowledgeable on this subject and all aspects of the C25 and hopefully they will chime in shortly. You have found the best source of information there is for your boat!
Dan

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Sloop Smitten
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
1181 Posts

Response Posted - 11/08/2005 : 11:11:13

Congrats on your new boat. There are a couple of options for you.
1. Have someone drill and tap new holes and install new studs and nuts. Jim Baumgart had this done when he purchased his 78 fin keel and I believe it cost him about a grand. They did the work while his boat was in the water. When I inquired about having this done to my 78 they said they would have to pull the boat, remove the keel, replace the studs and rebed the keel. All of that, along with the painting that would require, would probably add up to more than I paid for the boat.
2. Catalina Direct sells a keel bolt retrofit kit intended for use by boat owners. They claim it can be done with a hand drill. Unfortunately, the kit is new and I know of no one who has attempted it. At just over $220 it is financially attractive. If you have some metalworking skills this might be for you.

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JimB517
Past Commodore

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USA
3285 Posts

Response Posted - 11/08/2005 : 11:52:36

Yes, I had the job done in the water. I can provide you the name of the guy who did the work, of course he is in Southern CA. The cast iron keel is VERY hard. A drill press with carbide bits is pretty much required. Since we have a pop top, you can just get a drill press in there. My old bolts are intact (they look like #2 pencils rusted to practically nothing). They were treated with carbolic acid and coated with bitumen. 6 new 3/4 inch stainless rods are threaded in to a depth of about 6 inches. They were bedded down with lanolin and tightened with double nuts. Then a single nut and washer was screwed down. I now have 12 keel bolts (6 old, 6 new) and feel the boat is good for another 25 years. Job cost $900 and it took about 1 day (8 hours) per bolt.

If you buy the Catalina Direct kit, take your time and either rent a drill press or make a drill guide. Needless to say be vary careful near the leading and trailing edge and don't drill through the keel into the water!

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wmuchmore
1st Mate

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USA
56 Posts

Response Posted - 11/08/2005 : 20:37:29

Unfortunately those of us with the dinette model don't have working access to the keel bolts, so we are SOL if they need to be replaced. At least that's the case on my 1980 boat. The keel bolts are visible from the storage compartments under the dinette seats, but they are covered by the inner hull foor. There is no overhead access possible to permit drilling into the keel (or even getting a wrench on a nut) without cutting through the liner.

This is probably a very good reason to buy a C25 with the traditional layout.

Mike Muchmore
2028, Calamity Jane, TRFK

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JimB517
Past Commodore

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USA
3285 Posts

Response Posted - 11/08/2005 : 22:21:07

Indiscipline is the pedestal table interior, like a cross between the dinette and the traditional. Its easy to access the keel bolts. In fact, I use the area down there for storage.

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SailFisher
1st Mate

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USA
62 Posts

Response Posted - 11/08/2005 : 23:32:35

I too have rusty nubs, but are not to concerned. Can anyone tell me about a real life account of the worse case scenario with a C25 fin keel. During my 1500 mile trip south I was soft aground a dozen of times and hit some rocks pretty bad in Rhode Island. Still not too concerned about my rusty nubs. I haul out this week and can't wait to see the hull damage from my mishap off of Newport.

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JimB517
Past Commodore

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USA
3285 Posts

Response Posted - 11/09/2005 : 10:34:10

I think its highly unlikely that a cast iron keel would simply fall off due to rusty keel bolts. The bolts are most likely good down inside. When you haul, check for the "Catalina Smile", the partial disconnection of the keel with the hull - usually at the leading edge. Mine had none before the job. You'll see the keel is partially held by glass as well. If the keel was strained you would surely see this in the "smile".

The worst thing on the bad bolts is hard grounding or hard pounding in big waves and strong winds.

My repair was recommended in survey and paid for by the seller.

Edited by - on

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Notice: The advice given on this site is based upon individual or quoted experience, yours may differ.
The Officers, Staff and members of this site only provide information based upon the concept that anyone utilizing this information does so at their own risk and holds harmless all contributors to this site.