In checking back through many topics on the Message Board over the past seven years, I noted some regarding checking / tightening the C34 keel bolts. I confess that in the eight, soon to be nine years Nancy and I have owned Pleiades I have never checked - or tightened - any of her keel boats. Shame on me!
I checked this site and determined that the hex nuts are 1 1/8", so I just ordered a 1 1/8" hex 1/2 inch "deep socket" that is listed as 5.7" long. Although not specifically listed, I assume the "socket" portion probably takes up an inch, so the "effective" depth is likely about 4.7". Hopefully, this will be deep enough to fit over all of the keel bolts extending into the bilge, and will still allow me to get full torque on their nuts. Since Pleiades is currently on the hard, this seems like the perfect time to check the keel bolts, and tighten them if necessary, since the keel is blocked, and the entire weight of the hull is pushing down onto the top of the keel.
Question: Does anyone know the recommended keel bolt torque? I want to be sure they are "very snug". but not so tight that I may damage the fiberglass.
Paul
Pleiades, 1990 C34,
TR/FK, #1068
Yanmar 3YM30
FlexOFold 2-blade
Wickford, RI