371 - 371 Keel Bolts

Print Page | Close Window

371 Keel Bolts

Printed From: myHanse.com
Category: Hints & Tips
Forum Name: 371
Forum Description: 371 Hints and Tips
URL: https://www.myhanse.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=13691
Printed Date: 27 March 2026 at 03:41
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 12.06 - https://www.webwizforums.com

Topic: 371 Keel Bolts

Posted By: Trevor_N
Subject: 371 Keel Bolts
Date Posted: 07 October 2022 at 12:09

I recently bought a 371 (2005) and my surveyor recommended that I remove 2 keel bolts (front and back one) to check for any signs of crevice corrosion.

Has anyone any experience of removing these keel bolts and if so where there any problems / issues?

Thank you

-------------
Trevor - UK

Replies:

Posted By: H8jer
Date Posted: 07 October 2022 at 19:04

The keelbolts need so much torque / newtonmeter that you need special tool or a boatyard crew.

http://coxeng.co.uk/stern-gear/keel-bolt-tightening-torques/" rel="nofollow - http://coxeng.co.uk/stern-gear/keel-bolt-tightening-torques/

I would not do it

-------------
Hanse 370#487 30HP 3-cabin

Posted By: Trevor_N
Date Posted: 07 October 2022 at 19:40

Thank you for your reply and that's an interesting web-page you sent me.

My problem is that my surveyor recommended in his survey report that I should remove 2 x studs to check for crevice corrosion, so I have little choice but to do it. I just need to decide if I will try and do it myself or take it to the boatyard. I am a retired Mechanical Engineer, so I understand some of the issues, I am just interested to hear if anyone has done this before and if they had any issues.

-------------
Trevor - UK

Posted By: Koppiekrou
Date Posted: 07 October 2022 at 22:21

Hi Trevor, congrats with your 371. We do own a 371 from 2005. Never had the bolts checked. Never had any problems. Just a very happy owner 👍

-------------
291 4Ever - 341 Eternal Flame and now a Hanse 371 '05 Karma - Shoal draft - 2 cabin - 40hp - Variprofile

Posted By: Trevor_N
Date Posted: 08 October 2022 at 09:37

Thank you that's reassuring. My problem remains that I have this recommendation from my surveyor, which I think I must follow or maybe get a second opinion.

-------------
Trevor - UK

Posted By: Matt1
Date Posted: 08 October 2022 at 12:56

If your concern is about the insurer wriggling out of any potential claim then I guess you could always talk to them about the surveyors “recommendation”

I had to remove a keel bolt on a previous boat and never managed to get it to seal perfectly afterwards

-------------
Hanse 418 #64 EmBer. Hamble, UK

Posted By: Trevor_N
Date Posted: 08 October 2022 at 14:05

Thanks Matt1, that sounds like a good idea. Thank you.

-------------
Trevor - UK

Posted By: gshannon
Date Posted: 24 October 2022 at 21:16

I had the keel of my 2001 371 removed and re-bedded in 2014 due to the fairing around the keel root cracking and some rust bleeding. The keel bolts were inspected and found to be like new. Th rus was from the cast iron keel. It was sandblasted and epoxy coated before reinstallation. It was a big and expensive job which was not necessary!

To remove the keel, you must first remove the mast. That was part of the expense. One rigging screw was frozen and had to be replaced.

The keel was re-installed with out the fairing, just bedded. No issues since.

I am pretty sure if you have the boatyard remove a bolt it will be fine. However I can see why afterward, leaking might be an issue.

-------------
Grahame

Tangleberry 371-092

aviadesign.com

Posted By: Trevor_N
Date Posted: 25 October 2022 at 09:26

Hi Grahame, thank you for your reply. What you have told me is what I am 'half' expecting, and it sounds like what I have with the rust bleeding is the same as you had.

I have now had a good boatyard look at her and they recommend dropping the keel, not based on the rust bleed outside at the keel joint but some internal rust marks beneath the keel plates. They also said that removing the keel bolts in-situ is very difficult as they are bonded into the keel.

So, whilst I 'half' expect the keel bolts will be OK, I think I must get the keel removed and re-bedded.

Tell me, what has the keel been like since you had the work done? Did the rust re-appear?

Kind regards

Trevor

-------------
Trevor - UK

Posted By: gshannon
Date Posted: 25 October 2022 at 17:17

Hi Trevor,

Since the re-bedding there have been no issues, and no rust bleeding from the top of the keel.

We have touched up the epoxy around the joint between the cast iron fin and the lead bulb, wher some rust spots appeared after 3-4 years.

Good luck with the work!

Grahame Shannon

-------------
Grahame

Tangleberry 371-092

aviadesign.com

Posted By: Trevor_N
Date Posted: 25 October 2022 at 17:22

Thanks Grahame, that's good news.

I appreciate your help.

Trevor

-------------
Trevor - UK