Various articles covering frequently asked questions, informative bits of information, and even a spot of humor.
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See Catalina’s drawing available under the Technical Support link below. The method at the right in the drawing is the preferred method. The 3” rod mounted transversely in the keel will restore much of the original strength. The method pictured at the left in the drawing is not as strong.
Without removing the keel, you can’t. One Catalina 30 owner reported removing his keel in preparation for a trip to the South Pacific. Once visible he discovered that the bolts were eroded to only ~1/4” diameter where they passed through the hull. This was not visible before he dropped the keel.
Catalina bonded the keel onto the fiberglass keel stub in addition to the keel bolts. It is likely this bond that is still holding the keel onto the boat. Unfortunately, eventually the keel bolts can weaken until it is primarily the bond securing the keel to the hull. When that bond fails catastrophically the keel will part from the boat.
The answer is unknown. Lag screws are made for use in wood. There are no strength tables for lag screws used in lead. Clearly they will add some significant strength, but how much strength before the threads in the lead fail?
Place them between the existing keel bolts.
The original keel bolts were bent into a J shape then cast into the molten metal. They are not removable.
Have a boat yard do it! Seriously, this is not an easy job. But if you want to try it yourself, several customers report success chocking a bench top size drill press into the boat.
No!. Boats that require this retrofit should be restricted to sailing in small inland lakes and protected inland waters. Sailors wanting to sail on San Francisco bay, the Strait of Juan de Fuca, or the open waters of the Chesapeake bay should consider a different boat.
We must have a discussion regarding all of these issue before shipping these parts. We don’t want someone to install this kit, then decide to sail the boat to the Bahamas!
See Catalina’s drawing available under the Technical Support link below. The method at the right in the drawing is the preferred method. The 3” rod mounted transversely in the keel will restore much of the original strength. The method pictured at the left in the drawing is not as strong.
Without removing the keel, you can’t. One Catalina 30 owner reported removing his keel in preparation for a trip to the South Pacific. Once visible he discovered that the bolts were eroded to only ~1/4” diameter where they passed through the hull. This was not visible before he dropped the keel.
Catalina bonded the keel onto the fiberglass keel stub in addition to the keel bolts. It is likely this bond that is still holding the keel onto the boat. Unfortunately, eventually the keel bolts can weaken until it is primarily the bond securing the keel to the hull. When that bond fails catastrophically the keel will part from the boat.
The answer is unknown. Lag screws are made for use in wood. There are no strength tables for lag screws used in lead. Clearly they will add some significant strength, but how much strength before the threads in the lead fail?
Place them between the existing keel bolts.
The original keel bolts were bent into a J shape then cast into the molten metal. They are not removable.
Have a boat yard do it! Seriously, this is not an easy job. But if you want to try it yourself, several customers report success chocking a bench top size drill press into the boat.
No!. Boats that require this retrofit should be restricted to sailing in small inland lakes and protected inland waters. Sailors wanting to sail on San Francisco bay, the Strait of Juan de Fuca, or the open waters of the Chesapeake bay should consider a different boat.
We must have a discussion regarding all of these issue before shipping these parts. We don’t want someone to install this kit, then decide to sail the boat to the Bahamas!
Catalina Direct is the largest supplier of Catalina Yacht parts in the country. We specialize in parts, custom up-grades, and accessories. Worldwide delivery available.
