J/42 Keel Bolt Tightening Experiences

[Albert Bossar]

hi all,

J/42 Allegiant will be entering the 2023 Marblehead to Halifax race. We have done Newports and Bermudas but not Hallifax. The pre-race inspection requirements are a bit different and I need to have the keel inspected and verified that the keel bolts are correctly torqued to manufacturer's specifications. 

To be honest, I have not attempted to tighten or torque the bolts in the six years I have owned the boat. I cannot verify the previous owner did, but most likely not. The boat has passed three race inspections and three surveys in the 6 years of ownership. None of the surveyors hinted that the keel bolts showed any issues. There is no corrosion or pitting or cracking vicinity of the bilge, and no external stress lines though I have not taken the paint down to the barrier coat yet, nor have I had any grounding that would warrant concern, only chesapeake bay mud here and there. 

I remember a thread earlier about this topic and torque tolerances to manufacture's specifications. Also I believe Reed Erskin and Cayenne may have attempted this project???

Just curious peoples thoughts on what they have - or have not done - in the past with regard to keel bolts so I can meet these inspection requirements. Seems if I attempt any torquing it should be over the Fall/Spring while on the hard prior to splash?

many thanks,

Bert

 

[rers...@netscape.net]

Hi Bert,

Good memory.  I did do a post on keel bolt tightening on my J42.  I still have the recommended torque table, here attached.  I did find that a certain amount of tightening was necessary to bring those big keel bolt nuts to the suggested tension.  It was tricky to manage the four foot pipe lever extension on the socket wrench handle in the tight confines of the salon.  I believe the bolts are 1" diameter and require a big socket.  I used an electronic torque gauge between the socket and the wrench.  I don't remember the extent of tightening required, but it wasn't much, and may not have been necessary,  Hard to tell.

Hope This Helps,

Reed Erskine  J42  #65  Cayenne

[rers...@netscape.net]

Forgot to address the last part of your query.  Torquing the keel bolts nuts is probably best done on the hard, as the boat sitting on the keel will avoid trying to torque against the weight of the keel.

[Albert Bossar]

Thanks Reed. Much appreciated. All the best.

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