Keel coming off?

[tjgault]

I have a wonderful Laguna 30'' (like a Catalina) with a fixed keel. Forward of the keel at the joint, we have a crack that runs about 4 inches from side to side and is about 1/16" thick. Should I be worried?

Here''s some other things that I think may be related.

1. While moored last summer, had problems with the bilge flooding, however, since I replaced the batteries (this season), did not have a problem.

2. In the drain in the head, lead shot is coming up. Similar shot is found in the top of the bilge

Is my keep separating? Are these things related?

I look forward to hear if anyone has had similar issues (pictures avail if you would like to see)..

Thanks to come back with comment.

[Irwin32]

Cracks at the keel/hull joint are not uncommen, but you should clean it out and refair it. What is a little confusing is you say the crack is forward of the keel. Is the joint you refer to the hull/keel joint or something else.

The flooding bilge would concern me. Do you have an auto bilge pump? If so, new batteries may mean that the pump is able to keep up with a leak, and stopping water from collecting in the bilge. I am not sure any other connection new batteries could possibly have to water in the bilge. At any rate, you should determine for sure whether or not you are taking in water. If you are you do need to determine how it is getting in.l

Where does the head sink drain to? If it drains into the bilge, whatever is in the bilge could certainly back up into the drain.

If I were you, I think I would have a surveyor or your boat yard look at the keel. They are bolted on and can come lose. it is unlikely it would just fall off suddenly, but loose bolts could definately cause leaks.

[bert2]

It sounds like something that should be attended to right away. Pls. refer to the SailNet Homepage, under Favorites, last 5 features---Keel Bolt Repairs---by Don Casey. These articles outline the problem and what can be done to repair it.

[capttb]

I agree with previous replys I really think you should haul out right away and get surveyor or good boatyard to examine. Everything you say indicates the possibility of a loose & leaking keel to me.Hate to be the one to say it but the lead shot coming from drain is a cause for concern I think.

[mcain]

The lead shot is potentially a concern. There have been documented cases of manufacturers filling a keel with lead shot for ballast. Some boats have grounded, put a hole in the keel, and watched the ballast "flow" out of the hold to the bottom of the sea, leaving just a hole in the keel.
Get it checked by competant surveyor asap.