Columbia 28 keel bolts

[deano555]

If the keel bolts appear rusty will my keel fall off?

[coopec43]

Maybe this is relevant?


How Secure is Your Keel?
https://www.sailmagazine.com/diy/how...e-is-your-keel

[capt jgw]

Possibly. I have a1969 Columbia 36 with very similar keel bolts. They are galvanized steel hangar bolts threaded into the the lead with washers and nuts in the bilge. The nuts and bolts tops were very rusty and when I checked them one bolt broke off down in the lead and a couple others the nuts popped off as there was no longer any thread left. I ended up having to drop the keel to replace them. When the boat was lifted off the keel, it came loose easily, the sealant used was not an adhesive type. I'm pretty sure the 28 had the same setup. So... If the nuts and bolts are rusty enough, the keel could fall off. It's easy enough to check, just loosen and retighten the nuts. You'll know right away if you have a problem. You could do this in the water one at a time, but be prepared to haul out immediately if one breaks off. Best to do on the hard, just have the lift come back to lift the hull off the keel if needed. Changing the bolts is not hard provided they don't break off below the surface like one of mine did. I had to sister that one, drilled and tapped a new hole next to the old one.