8.3 Keel Attachment

[pnwardwell]

There has been no keel leakage on my 1979, 8.3 for the past 8 years. After a grounding this summer, I noticed more water in the bilge than before. On haul out, water in the bilge trickled out of the keel seam.

The seam gap now is about the same as before the grounding. There has always been a large gap at the stern end of the seam. it is tight to the stump in the middle 2/3 and then a small gap towards the bow.

I checked the keel bolt nuts and they were all loose. Tighter than snug, but not much.

Questions: 1. Does anyone have a torque value for the keel nuts? 2. I have to believe water has freely moved into the gaps for many years. Does this represent a problem? 3. If I were to drop the keel this spring, how would re-seat the keel? There would have to be major filling and leveling work to make for a tight fit along the entire length of the seam.

Greatly appreciate your thoughts.

[cwgaskill]

I also have a Columbia 8.3 with a leaky keel. I wanted to know how hard was it to fix. Any issues come up to watch out for?

C.W.
S/V Foreword
Columbia 8.3