Ideas for removing keel bolts and 4 ton lead keel from Lundy Lady my 1961 Holman slo

[Fergus McGhie]

Commencing a full restoration of this 36 foot sloop from 1961 by Kim Holman, I need to separate the lead ballast from the oak keel to check the bolts (qty10) and reseat the open lead to the oak seam. Bolts are 1" in diameter and long in one case 3 feet. I haven't started the process and am seeking ideas of how best to drift the bolts through the wood and lead expecting this to be a mammoth and possibly a showstopping task. I'm told the bolts are aluminium bronze and would very much prefer to reuse them rather than replace. The bolts have wedged heads in the keel not nuts or washers.
Plan is to leave the lead properly braced in steel fabricated brackets having removed the bolts and then to jack the hull a few inches.
AN option:? Is leaving them in place having x rayed them and then creating a new gap for sealant before pulling the bolts tight?

You'll have guessed that I'm an amateur but with extensive practical engineering and restoration skills and experiences

Much appreciate feedback form The Forum

I recently watched The Tally Ho keel replacement, I'm working on rough ground rather than a made concrete floor.

[Thad]

Re: Ideas for removing keel bolts and 4 ton lead keel from Lundy Lady my 1961 Holman

Have you looked at episode 8 of the TALLY HO series? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ympYv5i8ER4

[wizbang 13]

Re: Ideas for removing keel bolts and 4 ton lead keel from Lundy Lady my 1961 Holman

all this to check bolts?
Would it be less work to just add more?
I might be more concerned with the oak than the bronze

[sp_clark]

Re: Ideas for removing keel bolts and 4 ton lead keel from Lundy Lady my 1961 Holman

all this to check bolts?
Would it be less work to just add more?
I might be more concerned with the oak than the bronze

^^^ my thinking, given the evident plan of action ^^^

More bolts through what might be punky oak's not an attractive proposition methinks.

Nor that of getting wedged heads free of oak after what, 60+ years?

If you have access to x-ray capability, properly done then interpreted that may be a revealing endeavor.

Welcome BTW to the Forum! All present would like to see pics of your Lundy Lady!

[keith66]

Re: Ideas for removing keel bolts and 4 ton lead keel from Lundy Lady my 1961 Holman

If they are aluminium bronze through lead they should move ok & will probably still be in good condition. A friend checked his bolts on a 45 ft Robert clark yacht & they were set in white lead paste & came out quite easily,
Trick to do is make sure the boat is blocked up with the blocks close to the bolt holes. Undo the nuts but dont take them off. Softer bronze drift held in a guide or by a helper. Big 14 ld hammer & give it a go, You will have to smite it mightily! Once it starts to move it will go easily. Try not to bugger up the threads. You will need a deep hole dug under long bolts. If you are on concrete you have to have the boat higher which is a pain.