Checking your keel bolts: Essential maintenance for boat owners
When was the last time you lifted a floorboard? It might be a good space to store some stuff. However, too often, items stored in the bilge are for future projects or too good to toss. What might be under that stuff? Keel bolts. Checking your keel bolts is crucial for maintaining your boat’s safety and longevity. This guide provides expert tips on how to ensure your keel bolts are in optimal condition.
Understanding the keel
A keel is a hydrodynamically shaped fin or blade along the boat’s centreline, providing balance and steering. Typically made from steel, lead, or other alloys, keels can vary in shape and size. For this discussion, we focus on the two most common types: fixed, bolt-on keels, and encapsulated ballast keels.
Bolt-on keels
Bolt-on keels offer design and cost advantages for builders. These keels are attached to the hull with threaded bolts or rods in steel keels and J bolts in lead keels. Although bolt-on keels can provide years of service, they require closer attention and more frequent inspections. Regularly checking your keel bolts, nuts, and backing plates in the bilge is essential. Remove any rust or corrosion, keep the bilge dry, and promptly address any moisture. When corrosion is excessive, seek professional assistance to repair and prevent further damage. Checking your keel bolts regularly ensures their longevity and functionality.
Encapsulated ballast keels
If you don’t find keel bolts under your floorboards, you may have an encapsulated ballast keel. This means the ballast is integrated within the hull, eliminating the need for bolts. Despite this, periodic inspection is necessary to avoid costly repairs. If the ballast is iron, water ingress can cause rust and expansion, deforming or fracturing the laminate.
Look for rusty stains or bulging in the bilge, as these are signs of potential problems. Regularly checking your keel bolts and the overall condition of your keel is vital for preventing significant damage.
The mechanics of keel maintenance
Keel failures are rare but can be catastrophic. Grounding, hitting submerged objects, or poor maintenance are common causes. Regular visual inspection and maintenance can prevent most issues. Ensure the nuts and bolts are well-maintained to avoid corrosion and damage. Create a maintenance schedule and stick to it. Checking your keel bolts regularly is a preventative measure that can save you from extensive and costly repairs.
Signs of keel bolt problems
Even with advanced imaging technology, keel removal is often required to assess keel bolt conditions fully. Two indicators of potential problems are “smile” cracks between the hull and keel joint and rust weeping around the keel attachment points. Seek professional advice if you notice these signs. Filling cracks with epoxy or sealant is not a solution and can worsen the problem. Regularly checking your keel bolts can help identify and address issues before they become severe.
Conclusion
Maintain your keel as diligently as the other systems on your vessel. Regularly checking your keel bolts and performing necessary maintenance ensures your boat’s safety and longevity. For expert assistance with your boating needs, contact our professional and friendly team. Remember, consistent maintenance and inspections are key to preventing costly repairs.
