Is this a keel problem?

[Thomas1985]

We are looking to buy a sailboat. Saw this in pictures of a potential boat. What is going on here?

[pbiJim]

I would start by asking the current owner about the boat's history.

Different boats are built differently. It could be a great many different things. It could be a repair for a stud that pulled out of the keel. It could be from the installation of equipment.

We don't even know what type of boat this is. Does it have a keel stub with a keel bolted on? Is it an encapsulated keel?

You need to collect more information. Your question is too broad.


If you are having a boat survey done, your surveyor would be the best guy to ask about this.

[Thomas1985]

1986 Beneteau First 305

[Montanan]

Geez, this OP has three posts of the exact same thing today.

Dear Moderators please delete two of the three posts.

[pbiJim]

Originally Posted by Thomas1985

1986 Beneteau First 305

Bendy-toys generally have bolted on keels. It is possible that a stud pulled out & was repaired. it is possible that a drain was added for use during prolonged seasonal storage on the hard. It is possible that equipment was added. You need to investigate the history of the boat. You need to investigate the construction methods for that specific model. You probably need to speak to a boat surveyor.

[Bowdrie]

Originally Posted by pbiJim

I would start by asking the current owner about the boat's history.
You need to collect more information. Your question is too broad.

^ This.
OP, It's 37 years old, yes, you need a surveyor to look at it.
The first thing that popped into my mind was that a keel bolt at that location, (and close to the surface of the keel,) had been used to connect a lightning ground cable to the mast compression post,,,, and the boat took a strike.
Don't laugh, stranger things have happened.

[Thomas1985]

I went ahead and reached out to the seller. I’ll get a survey on a boat when we purchase, but I’m just trying to decide if this should be a “short list” boat at this point.

The boat looks pretty well maintained. It doesn’t look like a grounding or anything. I’ve never quite seen that 🤷🏻*♂️

[boatpoker]

That is very curious on a cast iron keel. I wouldn't hazard a guess without a close inspection inside and out.

If you are fairly new to looking at boats of this size, this may help ...
Marine Survey 101, pre-survey inspection

[MicHughV]

Bennie's use cast steel keels, that looks like some rusting issues, considering it's age.....which have been painted over...you can see a bit of rust seepage at the bottom of that half moon area. I also see a smidge of rust towards the aft end of the keel joint.

It's unlikely to be a keel bolt issue, as the Bennie's have a s/s threaded insert cast into the steel keel, and the s/s keel bolt is threaded into that insert.

It would behove you to inspect the keel bolts from inside the boat.

[boatpoker]

Originally Posted by MicHughV

Bennie's use cast steel keels,

C
Keel is cast iron.
Keel bolts may be steel (sometimes galvanized) or stainless steel depending on year.

[MicHughV]

Cast iron....cast steel.....??

I have a video of how the Bennie keel's are made.....don't think I've seen galv. steel keel bolts...

[boatpoker]

Originally Posted by MicHughV

Cast iron....cast steel.....??

I have a video of how the Bennie keel's are made.....don't think I've seen galv. steel keel bolts...

My information is based on 106 Beneteau surveys. Your video I presume shows a 1 year span of history.

[MicHughV]

yes, you are correct, there was a time when Beneteau used galv. steel keel bolts...I stand corrected....

[boatpoker]

Originally Posted by Thomas1985

We are looking to buy a sailboat. Saw this in pictures of a potential boat. What is going on here?

What does the other side of the keel look like ?

[pbiJim]

Originally Posted by Thomas1985

I went ahead and reached out to the seller. I’ll get a survey on a boat when we purchase, but I’m just trying to decide if this should be a “short list” boat at this point.

The boat looks pretty well maintained. It doesn’t look like a grounding or anything. I’ve never quite seen that 🤷🏻*♂️

I would not cease to consider a boat due to that photo. I would seek information from the seller. If all sounded good at that point, I would seek the opinion of a surveyor & I would seek a sea trial. If the boat is out of your price range, or if the features of the boat are not consistent with your needs, then I would look elsewhere without bothering to endure the expense of a surveyor.


It really is that simple.