Based on what mintkake and the Catalina tech said the following is going to be my recommendation unless we get some veto's or modifications from SD, MS et al.
- Properly block boat on land then do the following one nut at at a time not all at once:
- Mark nut position, take picture
- Remove nut and clean and lube thread.
- Replace nut and torque to 80 lbs.
- Check nut position, take picture
Results:
- If nut twists the bolt off, be glad it happed on land not in the water, Fix boat.
- If you can not get nut to hold torque, fix boat.
- If nut distorts floor of sump, fix boat.
- If nut turns just a little further than last position mark position and take picture. If this happens next season, fix boat.
- If nut torques to old position, smile.
Interpretation of results:
- Bolts breaking off is usually a sign that service is needed.
- Anything other than the nut torquing to original position means something is going on and needs to be dealt with.
- If the nut torques to original position it is a good sign but not a guarantee of a sound keel boat. Check the keel-hull joint for signs of weeping.
If you have a Catalina from 1988 or before be especially vigilant as they put plywood in the sump that rots out has has to be replaced. Other builders did the same.