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Swing Keelers Beware

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Shauneen
1st Mate

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USA
27 Posts

Initially Posted - 06/11/2014 : 18:38:53

We were rushing to launch the boat but I went underneath to be sure the mussels and assorted other stuff was cleaned away before applying a bottom coat. What I found were two shirred bolts that should have been holding the Keel Casting Retrofit kit in place. The bolts remain in place beyond the keel hanger casting. Fortunately we had not launched the boat as I'm sure cranking down the keel would have sunk the boat.

In 2008 we had purchased the keel casting retrofit kit from CD, along with the keel bolt and spacers. It was installed by the boat yard and from what I can see was done correctly. I called CD to see what if anything we could do to prevent this in the future. The sales person (tech was closed) said that some people replace these bolts every few years. I'm far from an expert but have not seen that recommendation before. Do others change out these bolts? If so, how often? The boat was loaded on the trailer by the boat yard last fall - could something have happened during that process to torque the keel and cause it to happen? I'm not looking to assign blame - just trying to figure out how it happened and how to prevent it. I would post pictures but can't figure out how to do it. Thanks

Edited by - on

Steve Milby
Past Commodore

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USA
5932 Posts

Response Posted - 06/11/2014 : 19:00:13

By "shirred" do you mean the bolts were cut or broken off?

Edited by - on

WesAllen
Navigator

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USA
222 Posts

Response Posted - 06/11/2014 : 19:05:37

I have seen lots of post where the bolts were replaced to keep them from seizing up but for breaking. I do check mine every time it goes in the water (twice a year) but no problems thus far.

Edited by - on

DavidBuoy
Admiral

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USA
707 Posts

Response Posted - 06/11/2014 : 19:08:19

Generally, things do not "sheer" without sheer force. I would start there.

Edited by - on

DavidBuoy
Admiral

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USA
707 Posts

Response Posted - 06/11/2014 : 19:20:12

Sheer force that typical loading from sailing would not provide. That if anything could stretch bolts on one side and compress the bolts on the other side. Not the problem though. What type of lift was the boat transferred on? Travel lift might not be as likely (not as much sideways movement), but keel all the way up swinging on a crane lift... Maybe. Or maybe just poor quality hardware.

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Dave5041
Former Mainsheet Editor

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USA
3758 Posts

Response Posted - 06/11/2014 : 19:50:17

Were the bolts paired? That is, on the same side or both front or rears. It would be hard to over torque to the point of breaking off the heads unless the hardware was faulty, but that would be the most likely if the bolts weren't paired. They could have cracked with the initial torquing and appeared fine until corrosion had its way. Were the bolts new? A broken pair would be more suggestive of lifting or improper positioning on the trailer damage. A hard grounding could also be considered, or sitting in a marina, anchored or moored with the keel on the bottom.

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Shauneen
1st Mate

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USA
27 Posts

Response Posted - 06/12/2014 : 02:41:59

Thank you for your thoughts and apologies for my misspelling. Both of the bolts were on the same side. They appeared to be broken in about the same place. The bolts were replaced when the new retrofit kit was installed in 2008.
The boat stays on a mooring on Naragansett Bay with the keel down. Because it can get rough there in the fall I don't think it happened while the boat was in the water. If it had I think the motion would have caused the whole system to fail.

Edited by - on

dmpilc
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
4593 Posts

Response Posted - 06/17/2014 : 11:31:34

Sounds more like whoever replaced the bolts over-torqued them and didn't tell you, or faulty hardware! Glad you caught it before launching.

Edited by - dmpilc on 06/17/2014 11:32:01

Dave5041
Former Mainsheet Editor

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USA
3758 Posts

Response Posted - 06/17/2014 : 20:19:28

It is also possible that they were loose. That would allow bending loads to be applied when the keel was loaded laterally.

Edited by - Dave5041 on 06/17/2014 20:20:07

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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.