Keelbolt Gods

[DragonFly]

The keelbolt gods were with me almost all the way to the end.

Last weekend I was able to get 12 keelbolts out with not much of a problem from DragonFly. The last two, well, um, seems the gods gave up the ghost and left me. I eventually made the decision to cut the last two out since accesss to them in the boat is under the engine and hard to reach anyway.

Now, I have a question. Some of the bolts have a white pasty crud on them, assuming this is corrosion. Then most of them do have a pinkish tint, say at least half the length. Should I reuse these? There are no obvious deformaties other than those. Seems the thickness is original, nothing lost there. Oh, I did have to pound on a few of them so the threads are not so good anymore. Is this grounds for replacement?

Bit lost with this part. Of course it's going to be awhile before I re-install the ballast.

Thanks for any comments, Louis

[Bob Cleek]

Uh... well... Why did you take the damn things out if you weren't going to replace them? Lot of work just to see what they looked like, no?

The "white crud" (probably chalky, right?) is possibly some kind of corrosion, but more likely some left over bedding compound or grease they used when they were driven. If it came off through the lead keel, it could be from that. Lead oxide or something like zinc that was mixed into the alloy. The "pinkish" color likely indicates some electrolytic action. It's a judgment call, really. If it is limited to the surface (sand or file it down and take a close look), you might risk it, but I would not. The pink comes from the fact that the tin (less noble) has been consumed within the bronze alloy. You have copper left, hence the "pink." Given the amount of work you have gone to pulling them, it wouldn't make sense as I see it to put a crappy, or even suspect, bolt back in. Get new bolts. It won't cost THAT much if you get rod stock and have the ends threaded. You'll be able to say the keel bolts were replaced. That will feel a lot better than just pulled and put back.

[DragonFly]

Thanks for the reply, what you said about not putting suspect bolts back in while I'm already there is a good point. Thinking long term it would be better to have replaced them now. Easy enough to do.

The reason for dropping the ballast was not really to inspect the bolts but to repair some rot on the dead wood and false keel. Rain water collected on the inside and sat for many months at a time while being on the hard. There are many places where there is mold and rot by the leaking water from inside the boat.

Louis

[RGM]

Replace the keel bolts for all of the reasons that Bob noted. Additionally, when the day comes when you sell the boat you can truthfully state that you have replaced the keel bolts. That is a huge issue. Looks great on surveys also. Take pictures so you have photo documentation/easy proof of the replacements. Post some pictures if you can. Good luck. And remember, the Keel Bolt Gods are quite done with you yet.

[Concordia..41]

I'll concur with Rodger and add that this may all be part of a group plan with the Keel Bolt Gods sent to lull you into a false sense of security for the Screw Pulling Gods, Sea Cock Gods, Electric Panel Gods, Deck Leak Gods, Mast Stepping Gods, Rigging Gods, and the all powerful Launch Day Gods.

Who all have I forgotten?

- Margo