Association Forum - SK bracket bolts

Assn Members Area · Join

Home.

Association Forum

Ships Store

Cruising

Racing

Technical Tips

Photo Gallery - New

Boat Search - Updated

Manuals & Brochures

Swap Meet

Links

Officer Flag Line & Staff

Bylaws & Constitution

Members Area

Join the Association

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.

Association Forum

Username:	Password:
Save Password
Forgot your Password?

All Forums

Catalina/Capri 25/250 Sailor's Forums

Catalina 25 Specific Forum

SK bracket bolts

New Topic

Topic Locked

Printer Friendly

Author

Topic

steephen
Navigator

Member Avatar

100 Posts

Initially Posted - 04/09/2005 : 14:06:30

I recently dropped my swing keel to inspect last year's rebuild. While tightening up the four 3/8" bolts, I snapped one off without too much torque; it roke in the middle of the threads. Aren't these things stainless steel? I had to E-Z Out the old bolt and reinstall. Do I need to worry about the other bolts, or might this just have been a weak freak?
Stephen on "Little Wing"

Edited by - on

Leon Sisson
Master Marine Consultant

Members Avatar

USA
1893 Posts

Response Posted - 04/09/2005 : 14:27:10

Stephen,

I replace those four 3/8" SS bolts every year or two when I redo the bottom paint. I don't reuse them. Also, I bed them generously with polysulfide sealant (but no Loc-Tite) to protect them and the threaded inserts from exposure to saltwater. If you show the head half of your wrung off bolt to several experienced mechanics, maybe they can give you some idea if it was defective, corroded, or over torqued. Always use a torque wrench on critical fasteners. (But you knew that.)

-- Leon Sisson

Edited by - on

ClamBeach
Master Marine Consultant

Members Avatar

3072 Posts

Response Posted - 04/09/2005 : 20:26:52

Where did you buy your replacement bolts? Was the bolt head in a 'bind' from the socket (socket rubbing on one side of the keel fitting)?

I've had some really 'bad' stainless from the bins at the hardware store. These days I buy all my stainless from Englund Marine (our local chandlery). I've had no problems with any of the fasteners I've purchased there.

If you read the crusing logs and blogs you'll find that many 'professional' sailors/riggers/cruisers are very picky about where they get their stainless fasteners and wire.

Edited by - on

steephen
Navigator

Members Avatar

100 Posts

Response Posted - 04/11/2005 : 17:29:56

Leon and Clam:

No, I didn't use a torque wrench, but didn't think I'd ever snap a bolt, either. They came with the refit pin and blocks I got last year from Catalina Direct, so I assumed they were the real McCoystein. If I borrow a torquer, what is the proper setting?

Maybe I'll send for four new bolts from Catalina since launch date is still a month off. Is there any reason not to use Lock-tite, or is the sealant just better from a salt point of view?

SZ on #1667.

Edited by - on

ClamBeach
Master Marine Consultant

Members Avatar

3072 Posts

Response Posted - 04/11/2005 : 20:30:27

Next time I mess with the keel hinge I'm going to use allen-head bolts rather than hex. I had some clearance issues between the bolt/hinge plate recesses that made for some dremel work to get a socket to fit properly.

That's why I wondered if your socket was in a bind and popped the bolt.

Edited by - on

Jay Schkloven
1st Mate

Members Avatar

USA
84 Posts

Response Posted - 04/30/2005 : 11:49:18

I check the bolts each year but the bottom paint is now filling in the recess around the hex end. I have no leaks around the bolts. Should the bolts be removed on a regular basis? I do not have any play or wobble. The keel seems to function well. I am getting a little squeaking as I bring the cable up. I believe it is from the main shaft on the winch. Can a drop of oil be placed on the outside of the shaft? Is any lube necessary. I do not want any lube on the clutches.

Edited by - on

ClamBeach
Master Marine Consultant

Members Avatar

3072 Posts

Response Posted - 04/30/2005 : 16:33:00

> Should the bolts be removed on a regular basis?

Pondered same thing... I think I'll pull mine every 5 years or so... (seriously pondering the wing keel retrofit in a few months)

Edited by - on

sweetcraft
Admiral

Members Avatar

USA
816 Posts

Response Posted - 05/01/2005 : 00:09:05

Just checked my keel bolts but also dropped keel and check 1" shaft too. Had no problem with any bolts as 20 years ago tried Permatex #2 and all threads were smooth and clean this time. Retorqued bolts with torque wrench at 35 foot pounds and also found using a 3/8 drive 9/16 6 point socket had no problem with recessed hole clearance. After reading the ideas from the forum checked play of hole in keel for shaft and made sleeve of brass shim stock using never-seize between the shaft and brass and Permatex #2 on outside of brass shim stock with coating on inside of keel hole of Permatex #2. To deal with the space between keel and pillow blocks added spacers made from cutting board plastic which were the same size as original spacers. I also have used for years carpet glued to the sides of the keel that swings up into the keel box when in down position (Got this idea from the Cat 22 members in the Mainsheet). Will look at installation after six weeks when pulling out for the San Juan cruise in July and make a report to the forum. Has anyone used carpet for the keel?

Edited by - on

Leon Sisson
Master Marine Consultant

Members Avatar

USA
1893 Posts

Response Posted - 05/01/2005 : 12:31:08

Jim Sweet,

Thanks for your posting! It's that sort of technical 'report' that helps us build our collective knowledge base here of what works.

-- Leon Sisson

Edited by - on

Topic

New Topic

Topic Locked

Printer Friendly

Jump To:

Association Forum

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.