Re-Sealing Twin Keels In The Americas

[wyb2]

What did you torque the nuts to? If it wasn’t leaking, then after some lateral force was applied it was, that strongly suggests there is too much movement allowed at the joint. That suggests not enough clamping force (torque), or some issue with the mating surfaces (like a high spot that the keel is trying to ‘rock’ on).

It seems unlikely that the choice of sealant was the primary issue.

[SomeGuyInaShirt]

I didn't have a big enough torque wrench for the job so I just had to go by feel. They were very tight, though. Guess I won't know until the next attempt as the boat's ashore in storage.

[wyb2]

What were you using to tighten them? If they were tight with a 2 ft breaker bar, that should be in the right ballpark. But with a standard 10” ratchet/wrench, most people will struggle to get more than maybe 40-50 ft-lbs. Depending on the stud diameter, you may want roughly double that.

[Flyingboats]

Hi, I have a modded twin keel Westerly Berwick here in NZ and have owned her 20 years. A couple of times have got some minor keel leaks after a vigorous sail. Each time sat her on the bottom between tides, then removed the nuts and washers that were leaking, rebedded them with Sika 291. Didn't have a suitable torque wrench so used appropriate extensions then a power bar with length of pipe for additional leverage. I also have attempted to add a layer of Sika that covers the exterior of the keel joints although this is partially successful only. Suspicious of the stubs given we did a full osmosis job 18 years ago but haven't seen any osmotic dribbles despite being on the hard for up to a couple of months on haulouts.

No further leaks in ~10 years so has worked well. Boat turns 50 next year so probably due to be dropped for a proper inspection. Mind you have also been debating building new higher aspect bulbed keels instead, but that would be a lot of work.....