Catalina 27 motoring on 2 bad keel bolts

[Fox1134]

Howdy,

I own a Catalina 27 on the Puget sound.
This is my first boat and I don’t have much sailing experience.
When I bought this boat she had 2 keel bolts that are corroded and in need of replacement before she’s ready to sail
I just got quoted for this fix at a boat yard and it’s more than I paid to buy the boat

I am thinking of selling this boat and moving onto another

My question is would I be safe motoring my boat around the sound with the 2 bad bolts as opposed to sailing? I want to make sure I really enjoy the lifestyle before committing to another boat

Thanks!

[Cheechako]

The devil's in the details. How many bolts are there total?
Also, are the bolts in those bolted into the keel or are they studs from the keel with nuts on them? Have you tried removing either? Sometimes the nuts and washers look terrible but the studs are decent.
Pics might help. How accessible are they?
I wouldn't give up on the boat yet. Everything is expensive in boating if you dont do the work yourself.

[Calif.Ted]

From the factory they were J-bolts cast in the keel, there is a retrofit "fix" involving sistering lag bolts that's not considered as strong. As is, no one in good conscience could say "sure, your fine". The keel is bonded to the stub with a bedding compound which makes it difficult to separate. If bolts are corroded the bond will fail.
https://www.catalinadirect.com/image...CFBC1332108E74
There are different kits for cast iron or lead keels, if you look at the FAQ's tab on the links below most information needed is available.
https://www.catalinadirect.com/shop-...-kit-for-lead/
https://www.catalinadirect.com/shop-...-22-c-25-c-27/

[Tron Alpha]

G'day from Australia.
I owen and live on an Columbia 27.
I have a few repairs to do on my boat before i can put it back in the water.
Any repair work that has to be done by an shipwright, will be expensive.
I have just replaced the motor in my boat as the inboard motor has seized, the rudder is cracked and the shaft is bent, so i will have that rebuilt.
Next is the rigging on my boat, has to be replaced.
The windows have to be replaced as they are cracked and the seals have gone.
The fact is if parts have to be replaced than do it and ingoure the cost, otherwise you will never go sailing.
Everything breaks from wear and tear.
If the cost of the boat is less then the repair on your boat,
Grin it and repair it and go sailing.
By the way i live with an disability, so i am doing all the work on my boat, on an pension, that makes me an low income erner.
Gerard live aboard,
SV GEMSTAR.