Hunter keel fell off !!!

[snort]

I was impressed just for the fact that Hunter used lead for a keel. The rest of the story is just gravy now.

[robert sailor]

Originally Posted by Sea7King

And yet, I've owned my 1979 Hunter 30 since new. Weathered two hurricanes, severely dented on can bouy, rehabbed the simple mechanical and electrical systems, replaced the interior, sailed thousands of miles and trained local Sea Scouts. 35 years and it's still going strong!

Sounds like you have had excellent service from your boat, maybe they did build them a lot better years ago.

[bmz]

Originally Posted by S/V Illusion

We all know that 3x the cost always equals 3x the quality too

My "inexpensive" Irwin 34 is over 32 years old. Over that time, maintenance cost has been no more than average; and she looks and sails great today.

[Maine Sail]

Just curious what the thickness of the intact keel stub in this image is. Can you measure it...?

[bmz]

Originally Posted by snort

I was impressed just for the fact that Hunter used lead for a keel. The rest of the story is just gravy now.

As does my inexpensive Irwin; but my Irwin is still going strong.

[Sailorman Ed]

Just curious what the thickness of the intact keel stub in this image is. Can you measure it...?

Maine Sail - it varied from a little over 1 inch to almost 1.5". It was VERY well attached.

Funjohnson - There was no crack between the keel and hull at all until I took a chisel to it. I only got it apart because the remaining fiberglass would flex and even then, it took 3 chisels and my small sledge.

Now - what is the best way to cut off some lead before I take it to the metal salvage yard? I am thinking possibly kero or diesel as a lubricant??

[Steve Bean]

I've heard of cutting lead with a chain saw. Be careful, and I would suggest the chain be filed as for hard wood.

[Sailorman Ed]

I started cutting with my circular saw, older dull blade with carbide teeth making 1/4" deep passes - worked quite well. The SS threaded rod (with nut at the end) was longer than expected, about 14" into the lead. I could turn the nut by hand after all these years.

[senormechanico]

My boat was not inexpensive and I didn't get any lead keel.
I wonder if the previous owner still has it.

[endoftheroad]

Sailorman,
Have you been able to weigh the lead?
Guesstimate?

Thanks for the link becauseI have a friend that wants to bury a sailboat.

[Don C L]

May be too late now but don't beathe that dust or handle that lead. It's no good for the brain cells.

[Steve Bean]

Lead weighs 708 pounds per cubic foot. That's 0.410 pounds per cubic inch.

[minaret]

Originally Posted by Don C L

May be too late now but don't beathe that dust or handle that lead. It's no good for the brain cells.

To say the least. Extremely toxic, even small amounts of lead dust can lead to lead poisoning. Hope the OP used the very best protection. I grind lead often, only use forced air and a Repel tyvek, as skin exposure is almost as bad as respiratory.