1968 Columbia 28 fin crack

[deano555]

Does anybody have a cross section diagram of the fin keel? Gouge and hairline crack extending from the gouge. See pictures for crack. What does this mean? Are we going to sink or tip over if it falls off? What's the best way to fix it?

[cal40john]

It looks like you have a bolt on keel from the link below. Could be as simple as tighten the bolts to yes your keel could fall off. Lots of threads on repairing bolt on keels.

http://www.columbia-yachts.com/col28...diagEarly2.jpg

[Don C L]

HI Deano, You have a Columbia 28 early version keel #2. Yes there are keel bolts. Is the keel about to fall off? My belief is no, I have seen lesser boats with more of a crack showing that were sailing. It is pretty common to see some kind of evidence of the joint where a keel is bolted on, so that is not necessarily a sign of impending diaster. BUT it IS time to inspect, tighten and probably replace some or all of the bolts. The Columbias with bolt-on keels still seem to have a good reputation, but in time all bolts need attention. Contact the Columbia owners association for more info from owners:

https://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/...ingyachts/info

Here are some links: I have included one of the later keels to show how it is bolted on.
Here is yours as Cal 40 John shows:
http://www.columbia-yachts.com/col28...diagEarly2.jpg

Here is a diagram of later keel which I am guessing has the same keel bolt pattern:
http://www.columbia-yachts.com/col28/col28diagLate.jpg

Your crack is showing up right where the mast comes down to the keel so it makes sense that would show up there first. All the force on the rigging and mast when the boat is sailing is directed on to that point. If it needs bolts replaced it will involve removing the nuts and lifting the boat off the lower half of the keel with al the lead. I BELIEVE those bolts are galvanized and screwed into the lead but I could be wrong. (My Columbia doesn't have them.) The folks at the Yahoo group are very friendly and will be able to lead you in the right direction.