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T O P I C R E V I E W
Harry Cowgill
Posted - 10/28/2020 : 09:32:29 Stainless keel bolts torque to between 50-60 foot pounds..right?
6 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First)
Stinkpotter
Posted - 10/30/2020 : 20:42:38 This was from Catalina Yachts, posted here last year:
The factory, or Catalina Direct, can probably elaborate as needed.
bigelowp
Posted - 10/30/2020 : 17:02:14 Harry, welcome -- My keelboats look abysmal and have for the 14 years I have sailed my boat. I wish Catalina would put a condensed document with all peoples experience with Iron keels and keel bolts. That said, my guess is that there are more factors than torque that impact keel bolts. Such as water intrusion to the wood stub, condition of keel and keel bolts, and condition of fiberglas hull. I look forward to the sharing on this topic!
Stinkpotter
Posted - 10/28/2020 : 20:12:43 Hi Harry--sorry if I "talked down" to you... I didn't replace bolts--I had an '85 with stainless studs in a lead keel. But the torque spec probably assumes a fresh wood core. My point was, at this stage in the boat's life, the condition of the core is at least as much of a variable as the torque on the nut. I consider that wood core one of Catalina's little mistakes. But for their price-point and in that era, they got most of it right!
For earlier C-25s with cast iron keels and mild steel bolts, the general recommendation is not to replace but to add stainless studs--Catalina Direct has a kit for it. (I believe the factory agrees.)
Harry Cowgill
Posted - 10/28/2020 : 20:08:59 I am asking for a c25 sailor who is rebuilding a fin keel. I was Mainsheet tech editor for c27's and wrote some articles on rebuilding the keel and know the c27,30,34 and 38 torque to 50-60. I assume the Catalina 25 Is the same. Mild steel bolts torque to 50 (but they should be replaced with stainless). Thanks for the reply...Harry
Harry Cowgill
Posted - 10/28/2020 : 19:56:01 I am asking for a c25 sailor who is rebuilding a fin keel. I was Mainsheet tech editor for c27's and wrote some articles on rebuilding the keel and know the c27,30,34 and 38 torque to 50-60. I assume the Catalina 25 Is the same. Mild steel bolts torque to 50 (but they should be replaced with stainless). Thanks for the reply...Harry
Stinkpotter
Posted - 10/28/2020 : 19:03:23 First a question: What are you up to?
Then an issue: The bottom of the "keel stub" through which the bolts tie to keel to the hull is cored with wood. Before torqueing down nuts, I would check the condition of the wood, maybe with one small hold drilled through the fiberglass on top. If the drill bit produces a sliver of fresh wood, its probably good. If the core is soft, I'd drill more holes and inject penetrating epoxy (like Git Rot).
Then, in any case, I would use fender washers under the nuts. (Sorry--I don't know the torque spec., but spreading the load is always good, and not torqueing to the point of stressing the fiberglass above the core is key.)
Notice: The advice given on this site is based upon individual or quoted experience, yours may differ. The Officers, Staff and members of this site only provide information based upon the concept that anyone utilizing this information does so at their own risk and holds harmless all contributors to this site.