keel bolts...

[Michael Shaner]

A knowledgable fellow toting a torque wrench, an extra deep socket and a handfull of various extensions stopped by the boat yard this weekend...come to find out, the majority of my keel bolts weren't even close to 107 ft. lbs. of torque... 

Just a friendly reminder to check 'em... 

[Steve Sayian]

I check mine every spring before launch.

I changed all the nuts, lock washers and washers 3 years ago.

A stitch in time...

[Ron Hill]

Michael : I'm NOT surprised.   
I've written a number of posts and a Mainsheet article about retorguing the keel bolt nuts.  Needs to be done!!

[Lance Jones]

Is the 107 FPs standard for fin and wing keels?

[Ron Hill]

Michael : The answer is YES, to 107 ft lbs of torque. 
Just don't try to torque the keel bolt nuts when the boat's in the water - some owners have tried that (really)!!

[Susan Ray]

Hey Guys...I gave my deep socket to the buyer with my last boat, a Catalina 30' as the nuts were badly rusted on her and I never got around to changing them.....but....now can't seem to find a socket long enough to fit over bolts on this boat. The nuts and bolts look fine but you have scared me into wanting to retorque them when I haul next year. Is there an on line order place? Thanks

[Ken Juul]

I don't remember the correct size of socket.  I was in a hurry and didn't want to spend big bucks on a little used socket.  If you want to purchase one, Snap On Tools or maybe Harbor Frieght has them.  I purchased a standard deep socket of the correct size, cut it in half and then extended it to the correct length using a piece of steel pipe.  Had it welded together.  Works great for about a third of price of a speciality socket.

The extra length is only required if you keel bolts are long.  If the bolt ends have been cut off the standard deep socket will work.

[Steve Sayian]

The socket size is 1 1/8 inches.

[shanagolden]

Hi - I'm getting ready to torque up my keel bolts this weekend. It looks like my washers are pretty corroded. They also seem pretty imbedded. The nuts seem ok. Anyone know what kind of washers are the best to use (flat/locking, combination of both etc. stainless ?)  Best place to buy em online.

Thanks,

Shanagolden

[hump180]

My keel baots are glassed around them so you can't even get a socket on some of them. Most all of them have some glasswork that would keep them from turning, so if I want to retorque i would have to cut out the glass, retorque, and repair the glass work.

[Steve Sayian]

Shanagolden,

There's a hardware store in Hingham Center (across from the CVS and I can't remember the name of it) that sells all kinds of stainless hardware.
You'll need both flat washers and lock washers.

Hope this helps,

Steve

[Stu Jackson]

Steve's right, most good sized hardware stores (my favorite "lower-than-marine-store-costs" marine stores!!!) have a section with stainless steel hardware, mine is tucked away in a little corner and the SS stuff is in thin drawers.  Look around or ask for them by name!   They may not have nuts as large as are required for your keel bolts, though.

[Ron Hill]

Susan : The only place that I was able to find a 1 1/8"  4 " deep socket was at Snap On tools.

[BillG]

try Sears

[Susan Ray]

Thanks Ron and Bill...I will try my local Sears, only 1 block away. Mahalo