I tried to do it myself and ended by breaking two new and strong steel
bits. Local yardman did the work for me. Siad it took him 7 hours. I
know him and believe him. HE used a 3/4th hammer drill. And it cost.
No problems since.
If I had to do it over again I'd not partner the old bolts, but set the
new ones (six of them) in a fresh pattern at some remove from the
originals. I've had no problems, but it seems good sense not to be too
close to the originals. The old bolts seemed to be ferrous. I put in
stainless for the new ones.
Rudy B.
Phoenix, #2237
Pasadena
James Calleran wrote:
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
