Listees,
After a, ahem, hard grounding, my Catalina smile has reappeared (last seen
6-7 years ago) — not badly, but a thin line at the keel joint is visible on one
side. The boatyard service manager has recommended re-torque-ing the keel
bolts. Naturally, the yard will do the job for a fee, though I don't have a
quote. I'm concerned about these 30 yr-old bolts breaking off under 60+ ft-lbs
of torque.
Any of you who have done this yourselves:
1. How did you clean off the accumulated rust (They were rusty, right)?
2. Were you able to budge the nuts?
3. Did you remove them —one at a time, of course — and clean the threads?
4. Did you replace with stainless nuts?
5. What torque?
For those who have installed SS Lag Bolts in your keel.
1. Did you buy the $279.95 kit from Catalina Direct? (5 bolts, 1 drill bit,
washers)
2. What size is the drill bit?
3. Did drilling require a rotary hammer type drill, or just a powerful standard
drill?
I have source of SS 1/2" x 8" SS lag bolts @ 14.95 each. Specs say 18-8
stainless; no mention of 316. Thoughts on using these?
Thanks for comments on your experience.
Fair Winds,
Jim Calleran, C27 #2784, Trad, OB
Mathews Yacht Club, VA
37°27.8'N/76°18.6'W
