[davidpm]

Do to the spat of news about keels falling off I got to thinking that a torque test of the keel boats might wisely be part of a standard survey. So I sent the following question to Catalina.
I have the answer. Anyone want to weigh in befor I spill the beans?


Would it be Ok to torque the keel boats as part of a normal survey and/or normal maintenance? I am familiar with the plywood sump replacement and the lag bolt replacement process. My question is not how to affect a repair but rather how to prudently determine if a repair is necessary. What bothers me is that a simple visual inspection will not show me crevice corrosion of the bolts hidden below the washer. If every fall I could just put on the torque wrench and see that the bolts hold torque it would make me feel better about the integrity of the hull. But of course if there is some reason it is a bad idea I’m asking in advance. Assuming it is allowed I have the following questions? 1. What torque lbs is appropriate? 2. Is any movement allowable? 3. Is it a good idea to back the nut off a quarter turn before tightening? 4. This should only be done when the boat is blocked on land yes? 5. Any special blocking instructions? Sorry about all the questions but I would rather ask than do something stupid. Thanks