Jim For repairing the "smile" and possibly the replacement of the bolts, Dr. Judy has provided IMHO the best directions for making the repairs. I followered her directions (to a large degree) on repairing the smile and have experienced no problems. Possibly she will see this post and reply. John Jennings
In a message dated 6/23/2008 10:56:12 A.M. Eastern Daylight Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: 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 **************Gas prices getting you down? Search AOL Autos for fuel-efficient used cars. (http://autos.aol.com/used?ncid=aolaut00050000000007)
