reattaching lead keel to Frers 33

[Montevideo]

I've just acquired a 20 year old Frers 33 whose former owner removed the lead keel from it's fiberglass hull, and I would appreciate comments regarding the best way to rettach the keel.

All I know is that originally there were 8 bolts used, which I have. Should they be reused ?

If adhesive is also recommended what adhesive, how should it be applied and using what process ?

While the keel is off,... any other recommendations while the hull is in this state ?

Any other recommendations, observations or experience is welcome, of course.

Gratefully,

C.Thomas

[treilley]

No offense but this process is something that should be left to someone more experienced than you. If you get this wrong, people could very likely die.

Find a competent boatyard to do this work for you.

BTW, I feel I have an enormous amount of marine repair experience and have never hired a yard to do more than haulings and mast stepping. I would not attempt this myself without working with a good yard.

[Faster]

Here's a thread that will have some good info:

http://www.sailnet.com/forums/gear-m...your-boat.html

But Tim is correct in that this is nothing to 'mess around' with... and has to be done right.

[Montevideo]

Originally Posted by treilley

No offense but this process is something that should be left to someone more experienced than you. If you get this wrong, people could very likely die.

Find a competent boatyard to do this work for you.

BTW, I feel I have an enormous amount of marine repair experience and have never hired a yard to do more than haulings and mast stepping. I would not attempt this myself without working with a good yard.

================================================== =====

No offense taken, but I don't believe I indicated... my experience nor that a boatyard was not involved.

[treilley]

Originally Posted by Montevideo

================================================== =====

No offense taken, but I don't believe I indicated... my experience nor that a boatyard was not involved.

Sorry, based on your questions, I assumed a level of experience and a competent BY should have been able to answer these questions. Did not mean to sound harsh but wanted to emphasize the importance of doing this job properly, for your safety.

[Montevideo]

Originally Posted by Faster

Here's a thread that will have some good info:

http://www.sailnet.com/forums/gear-m...your-boat.html

But Tim is correct in that this is nothing to 'mess around' with... and has to be done right.

================================================== ========

Thank you for the link.

I have ideas that... it might be prudent to have as much information in this matter as available, as I think I perceive it's importance,... as well as have the idea that...no one could evaluate a yard, job or prospects for doing or having such done, without valid concepts of what a proper remount is and that there might be posters on this board who've successfully made this passage and might be helpful.

Additionally, the manufacturer is no longer in business.

Cordially,
C.Thomas

[Montevideo]

Originally Posted by treilley

Sorry, based on your questions, I assumed a level of experience and a competent BY should have been able to answer these questions. Did not mean to sound harsh but wanted to emphasize the importance of doing this job properly, for your safety.

================================================== ========

No problem.

Thank you for your good intentions.

C.Thomas

[knuterikt]

Originally Posted by Montevideo

I've just acquired a 20 year old Frers 33 whose former owner removed the lead keel from it's fiberglass hull, and I would appreciate comments regarding the best way to rettach the keel.

All I know is that originally there were 8 bolts used, which I have. Should they be reused ?

If adhesive is also recommended what adhesive, how should it be applied and using what process ?

While the keel is off,... any other recommendations while the hull is in this state ?

Any other recommendations, observations or experience is welcome, of course.

Gratefully,

C.Thomas

I don't know the Frers 33..
Why did the PO take the kel off (this is normally done to replace keel bolts or repare damage to the hull)

Reusing old keel bolts - I'm no expert on metals but I would have replaced the bolts, you are not planning to this in the next 20 years? The number and size bolts should be OK if the designer did his job.

Find out if there are any known weakness with the keel attachment on the Freers 33 that can be fixed with the keel off.

The keel is not glued in place, use an adhesive to get the joint water tight.
Sikaflex have some - but why not contact the tecnical department of some brands available localy.

Check the recomended torq for your size keel bolts.

There are two ways to connect hull and keel.
1. Place the keel in a sturdy support and lower the boat onto the keel
2. Place the boat on supports, Build a frame that stops the keel from tipping but allows lifting with hydraulic jacks (one in the front and one in the back). Use wood blocks and vedges to secure the keel (dont rely on the hydraulic to keep it in place)

I have used option 2 with good results, you are independent of any crane operator so you have time to do necessary adjustments in the process.

The keel be rolled into position using pipe or round bar as wheels.

Take security seriously

[mitiempo]

If the keel is lead the bolts are `J` shaped and not easy to change. They are held in place when the keel is cast. If the keel is iron - not likely on a Frers I don`t think, they will be threaded studs.

[tommays]

There are two 33s here and a active class web sight which would be a good place to go