Hi From Arroyo Grande Ca.

[Allanlowery]

My name is Allan,
I am a new sailor with just ASA 101 training, and ASA navigational training.
I have been sailing a Precision 23 on a small lake, Lopez Lake, for a little over a year after taking ASA 101.
I enjoy the lake, but now bored with constantly tacking and want to take the 104 class for bigger boats.
I just bought a 1978 Tartan 38 in which I am in the process of either replacing keel bolts that are corroded or entire keel.
One of previous owners, evidently saw the problem and added 5 or 6 new bolts, but since the bad bolts were left in place, it appeared the keel was never removed and so we don't know about the integrity of the job. The owner is deceased and no paper work to verify the job.
I am looking at about 17k to have the keel replaced in Mexico by Duro Keel, included is about 4k in transportation, OUCH!!
Any advice would be appreciated!
Thanks !
Allan
(Boat is "Dragonfly")


Sent from my iPhone using Cruisers Sailing Forum

[JPA Cate]

Allan,

Is the existing keel external lead ballast? I'm wondering if you can chop it up and re-melt it for a new pour? I'm also wondering if there's a less expensive way to safely address the problem?

...and this will bump your post back up....

Ann

[DefinitelyMe]

I just did a keel re-bed on a boat, and installed some new bolts in another one a couple of years ago. I'm looking on google to try and figure out what kind of keel the Tartan 38s have but it's coming back with images ranging from a bolt-on keel to a glassed-in half-keel with a centreboard. What do you have? I'm amazed that you need a new keel. Why is that?

[Allanlowery]

Thanks for your prompt replies!
The keel is lead, fixed keel not the centerboard type.
7,500 lbs. 6'7" draft, bolts on with 10 or 11 bolts originally.
It is 100 miles South of my home (Arroyo Grande Ca.) in Ventura Ca.
I had the boat surveyed before I bought it and the survey showed up the corroded bolts.
I am afraid of the possibility of loosing a keel out in the Pacific, although even as it is now, that is probably unlikely.
Unlikely doesn't cut it though.
All bolts are suspicioned since we can't see down into the lead, either because other same age and alloy bolts failed or new ones(5 or 6)added were installed while the keel was on the boat.
That's a 7,500 pound keel on a 36 year old boat.
I want to restore it as safely as I can for myself and be able to reassure anyone down the line that the problem was totally fixed with no worry.
That being said, I am a new sailor and need to rely mainly on others experience.
Thanks!


Sent from my iPhone using Cruisers Sailing Forum

[SV THIRD DAY]

Welcome to Older Boat Owner ship and Cruising Forum all at once!
The next time you are over in Morro Bay, stop by and say hello!

[Allanlowery]

Nice to meet you Rich from Morro Bay!
I am a friend of John Bodine, Commodore of Morro Bay Yacht Club.
John is trying to help me with this keel problem as well.


Sent from my iPad using Cruisers Sailing Forum

[Allanlowery]

Ann,
Thanks for your reply!
A repair that you mention is maybe possible, I am not familiar with the different options, but have found that a major repair is going to run about half as much as a new keel when considering all transportation cost.


Sent from my iPad using Cruisers Sailing Forum

[Patchy]

Replacing the keel is most likely not necessary. Just the bolts. Find a yard close to you for a haul out and new bolts. Should be under $3k and that's thinking high


Sent from my iPhone using Cruisers Sailing Forum