Extra Keelbolt?

[Steve S.]

I think I may have solved my weeping keelbolt issue.  I've noticed for the past couple of years that there is a small spot weeping out of the keel.  Never really worried about it. 

When I was cleaning the bilge the other day I was reaching down into the aft chamber and saw the single, centered keelbolt.  I reached further underneath and felt something new. When I finally got all the water and dirt out of there and aimed a flashlight, I noticed a second keelbolt just sticking up.  No washer, no nut.  It is so far back, I don't think you could fit a nut on it anyway.   My theory is that they put it in at the factory and then noticed it was too far back, then put another in the correct spot.  Any one else have this?

[Jim Price]

How many keel bolts do you have nuts on?  I am a littel brain dead now and not at the boat, but my memory suggests to me that I have 2 in the section aft of the mast and then 2 more in the next section aft which is partially under the settee / galley.  I am not sure what you mean by the "centered bolt".  If you con't have 4 bolts with washers and nuts, that may be your problem.  I am assuming we all have a 4 bolt configuration.  I could be wrong - I am getting old.

[Susan Ray]

I checked and my 87' has one bolt forward of mast, two in next compartment, four in next and two in the aft  most part of bilge. Nine in all and I reached as far aft iin bilge as I could.

[Steve S.]

I think I have enough bolts with nuts on them.  I have the same as Rainbow, just the last one has no washer or nut.   So, I have 8 with nuts.

Anyone know the nut size?

[RV61]

The Keel Bolt Nut size is 1 1/8 inch

[Ron Hill]

Steve S : Susan is correct.  Look at my post about the keel bolt tool. 
I'd get a washer and nut on it and the next time you're on the hard(with the keel weight off the hull), put it on and torque it to 107 ft lbs.   

[Steve S.]

Thanks to all.  Well, its in the water now.  Something tells me I really don't have to worry about the keel falling off.  I'll get it next year.

[Jim Price]

I know this is a "complete thread" but I could not let this go to the archives demonstrating my total stupidity (which I normally refer to as a "senior moment") but this one was a pure "Brain F--t"".  Excuse the espresion.  Yes our boat does actually have 9 keel bolts and they are all in place.  Thank goddness this was not a real emegency of some sort!   

Some days you got it, other days, it gets you.......

[Stephen Butler]

We have been trying for the past 2 weeks, to order a keel bolt tightening tool on the web, but cannot seem to get all the pieces from a single (NAPA, Snap-On, MAC, SK, Sears, Grainger, etc.) or even 2 sources.  We reverted to long distance calling from Costa Rica, but again, without luck.  It is hard to believe that we cannot find a source to order an extra deep socket, universal joint, extension, and a drive or t-bar, but we cannot.  Sorry to be a bother, but could someone email us a name and telephone number, or web address, name. or whatever, from which we could order our tool and get it mailed to Texas?  Sure would be appreciated.

[Stu Jackson]

Stephen

Steve Hansen said in the related post that he bought his at Ace Hardware.  Don't they have hardware stores in Texas?   

[BlewBayouToo]

Try MSC Industrial Supply. I am sure that Texas has some outlet stores. I don't know the Texas numbers but the branch that I always deal with is in Shreveport, LA. Their number is 1-800-777-5755. Ask for Petra she is extremely helpful. We get our orders here in Louisiana the next day with out any extra freight charges. The web site for MSC is www.mscdirect.com

[Ken Juul]

Another idea is to buy a normal 11/8 socket, cut it in half then weld the ends to a length of pipe.  You can make the pipe extension as long as you need.  A car repair, welding or machine shop should be able to do if for at a reasonable price.