Looking for Help

[aduke]

Have heard many debates over what to tighten keel bolts to. We just purchased an older Hunter 40' and would like to know if anyone knows how as we see a small gap at the back of the rudder.

[HappyMdRSailor]

There are many posts here on CF with some useful information, do a search... I would just go with an average for your stud size...

If however, this is a certain boat recently bought at auction, I would do a thorough investigation of the hull and keel stub. This is not a "simply tighten the nuts" situation... At the very least, you should be dropping that keel... Inspecting like crazy... and rebedding it properly...

[boatman61]

Originally Posted by aduke

Have heard many debates over what to tighten keel bolts to. We just purchased an older Hunter 40' and would like to know if anyone knows how as we see a small gap at the back of the rudder.

At the back of the rudder...??
Should only be water... any pic's of where you mean would be REALLY USEFULL

[aduke]

Argh......better do more proof reading.....should have been gap at back of keel........i'll post a shot tonight.

[boatman61]

Originally Posted by aduke

Argh......better do more proof reading.....should have been gap at back of keel........i'll post a shot tonight.

Good man...
By the way...
Welcome to CF mate...

[SkiprJohn]

Aloha and welcome aboard!
I've never known how hard to tighten the keel bolts on my boat. I kind of put the wrench on them and give it what feels like is right. Not very technical but on one boat I owned it stopped it from leaking.
kind regards,

[aduke]

Thanks mates,
If this weather in New England ever breaks, I'll get some shots posted.
With the weight of the boat on the keel for winter storage, the crack only at the back end of the keel (about 12") is closed. I thought it would be a good time to torque the bolts down and throw some 5200 in there before putting in the water.....that is.....if spring ever gets here!!
Thanks for the replies!

[GordMay]

Greetings and welcome aboard the CF, aduke.

See also ➥ http://www.cruisersforum.com/forums/...ess-35429.html

And Keel Bolt Torque Tables
➥ http://www.p385.com/technical/Keelbolt.Torque.Specs.pdf
➥ http://xa.yimg.com/kq/groups/1881217...rque-Table.pdf

[aduke]

Awesome posts!! Now I really can't wait for the weather to break!
Think I'll stick with the not too tight but around 200 ft/lbs to be safe.
Can always go back and re-tighten.

[aduke]

Thanks for the posts! Now I'm in a hurry for the weather here to break. I think i'll use the theory "not too tight".....and stay around the 200 ft/lbs. I can always go back and re-tighten if necessary.
I was also thinking to throw a layer of new glass between the bottom and face of the keel for insurance before sanding and painting.