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Kenomac · 23-09-2014, 13:40

Quote:

Originally Posted by a64pilot

I just came back into this thread, so tell me without pulling the keel, how could the keel bolts be inspected for rust stains? How often should you pull a keel to inspect for rust? How old was Cheeki Rafiki?

Basically, the problem shows itself via a weeping keel to hull joint when the boat is hauled out. No weeping, most likely.... no problem.

The problem became evident on our Hunter 450 when it was hauled out to have the keel bolts tightened because of a loose keel joint, but the keel joint continued to weep seawater the entire afternoon at the yard, so a more thorough investigation of the problem was required. Following the repair, the boat is better than new with the two keel bolts having been replaced and the voids within the keel filled with epoxy.

The Cheeki Rafiki was a Beneteau with rudder issues.

**weavis** · 23-09-2014, 14:29

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kenomac

Basically, the problem shows itself via a weeping keel to hull joint when the boat is hauled out. No weeping, most likely.... no problem.

The problem became evident on our Hunter 450 when it was hauled out to have the keel bolts tightened because of a loose keel joint, but the keel joint continued to weep seawater the entire afternoon at the yard, so a more thorough investigation of the problem was required. Following the repair, the boat is better than new with the two keel bolts having been replaced and the voids within the keel filled with epoxy.

The Cheeki Rafiki was a Beneteau with rudder issues.

I forgot you had the 450 prior.

**a64pilot** · 23-09-2014, 15:59

Drop your keel every five years? I guess I'm glad mine has no bolts

Blue Crab · 23-09-2014, 16:20

Wait wait ... did I hear that correctly??

Hunters have keel problems as well as rudder problems?

**a64pilot** · 23-09-2014, 16:51

Kenomac,
I was thinking that Cheeki Rafiki really wasn't that old of a boat, I know she was a first 40.7, but thought she was way too young to have the keel fall off from excessive corrosion of the bolts.
Maybe I'm a fool, but I think a major structural failure of the type that kills the crew shouldn't happen until a boat is very old.
How old was she?

Wait a minute, the boat with rudder issues wasn't Cheeki Rafiki, that was another Bene wasn't it?

Kenomac · 23-09-2014, 17:56

I mixed up Tiki Rafiki with another Beneteau 50 that went down due to a failed rudder. Oops.

**weavis** · 23-09-2014, 17:58

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kenomac

I mixed up Tiki Rafiki with another Beneteau 50 that went down due to a failed rudder. Oops.

age Ken?
or missing the Med so much you cant think straight

gonesail · 23-09-2014, 17:59

Quote:

Originally Posted by JTSmith

Catalina or Hunter?

keep looking

**Coops** · 23-09-2014, 18:13

Quote:

Originally Posted by weavis

age Ken?
or missing the Med so much you cant think straight

Missing the Med or missing his meds?

Coops.

**weavis** · 23-09-2014, 18:15

Quote:

Originally Posted by Coops

Missing the Med or missing his meds?

Coops.

Twerent me Ken............ his name be Coops...

robert sailor · 24-09-2014, 04:49

You should always make it a point to be around when your boat is hauled and when they first put the weight on the keel. Look for any water being squeezed out of the hull to deck joint. If you see it take place its time to be pulling some keel bolts for inspection and or tightening.

JTSmith · 26-09-2014, 07:04

Okay. After a week of wandering around a very squally Sunshine State, I've got it down to three.

The first is this Catalina 36:

smart-search-results - Massey Yacht Sales & Service

I like her a lot she feels good in the gut. Obvious issues: Some previous/possible current leakage on the port side chain plate above the settee. Visible corrosion. Leaky starboard side port. All of which has resulted in the cabin cushions needing recovering. I am concerned about the chain plate. Also, she does not have A/C.

The second is this Catalina 34:

Used 1988 Catalina C34, Belleair Beach, Fl - 33786 - BoatTrader.com

Well loved. Private seller. I really like the guy and the boat. Issues: Mast took a lightening strike in April. Electronics fried. All batteries replaced. New instruments purchased, but not installed.

The third is this Hunter 40:

1989 hunter legend sailboat for sale in Florida

Well equipped. In good shape. And I've read the survey that was completed a month ago when the boat was under contract. Short version: "Above Average Condition"

They all show a tad rougher than the pics on their listings, but are close.

There they are. What do y'all think?

S/V Illusion · 26-09-2014, 07:29

I didn't bother inspecting the links but have this to offer-

Forget the name plates. They are essentially the same in terms of build quality.

Which offers the best equipment? Best maintained? Best size for the value?

pick the one which answers the above 3 questions. Anything else is just background noise or subjective.

JTSmith · 26-09-2014, 07:38

Another question: What does anybody know about the Seapower 5KW engine driven VAC generator? I am totally unfamiliar with this equipment. Thanks, as usual, for all your input!