Keel Bolts > IJCA Forums > International J/24 Class Association

Unanswered Active Topics

Forums Search

Subject: Keel Bolts

You are not authorized to post a reply.

Author

Messages

Dave Barnes
Posts:23

01/11/2007 2:42 PM
Does anybody know what the the torgue should be on tightening the keel bolts? Thanks

David King
Posts:1

01/11/2007 3:16 PM
The vermiculite repair article on the U S Class website says 100-120ft/lbs http://www.j24class.org/usa/faqs/verm_repair.htm

Tim Winger
Posts:49

02/05/2007 2:35 PM
The old TPI guide for replacing vermiculite quoted 100 to 120 ft. pounds. J-Boats told me 50 to 60 ft. pounds. I usually recommend a compromise of around 80 ft. pounds, and do it annually. Tim Winger

Randy Lyons
Posts:9

02/14/2007 5:57 PM
Along with mushy vermiculite, there were cracks at the keel stub wrap. After removing the verm and pouring an initial layer of epoxy in the sump, I decided to remove the wrap as a diversion from vermiculite. There was a separation between the lead and glass of about 1/8 inch. At this point I can't tell you how glad I was I hadn't completely filled the sump. I shimmed the bolts to the threads and torqued them to 75#. I've been re-torqueing them every week for two months and still can't get a stabil reading. The good news is, the gap has closed up nicely. The concern is that I'm pulling the bolts out of the lead. What are the chances?

Jonathan Udell
Posts:4

02/19/2007 3:27 PM
Randy, More likely than pulling the keelbolts out of the keel, you might be compressing the nuts and their washers down into the verm in the sump. Lay a straight edge across the floor opening and measure down to the upper surface of the nut before you next tighten. ALso check the distance fromt eh edge to the top of the bolt itself. Check the dimensions after you tighten and see if the nut is getting further away. If so, you are smashing the nut down rather than pulling the bolt up - a much better scenario that will be cured with the removal of your vermiculite. If the nut stays stable and the bolt is rising to the straight edge..... well, then you've got some bigger issues.

Jonathan Udell
Posts:4

02/19/2007 3:29 PM
BUT - I failed to mention.... if you are still closing the gap of the keel to the sump then the bolt WILL be rising up and that is OK. The problem is if the keel is not moving and the bolt is.

Randy Lyons
Posts:9

10/20/2007 7:00 PM
After 1700 miles of rough road between Michigan and Florida, the keel and hull have apparently become as one again. A final touqueing a couple of months ago resulted in a stabil reading. I feel much better now.

You are not authorized to post a reply.