Looks like I have at least two leaking.
Is this pretty common?
It appears this is going to take one seriously long deep socket, a torque wrench, and some sort of sealant too.
Anyone know what size, and where I could find this socket?
—
Blair White
2004 C36 MKII # 2169 "Dash"
Pacific Beach, CA
Are sure that there isn't just water sitting in the bilge?
When loosening the keel bolts, be careful not to drop the keel...
Captain Rick Powers
(USCG OUPV)
1999 Catalina 36 mk II
Hull#1745
Std Rig, Fin Keel
Palo Alto, California
San Francisco Bay
Yes, I am sure that there isn't just water sitting in the bilge.
I am not loosening the keel bolts. My intention is to tighten them.
Blair White
2004 C36 MKII # 2169 "Dash"
Pacific Beach, CA
The C36ia toolbox (link on the home page) has the sockets but there are issues getting to all the nuts to tighten them. There are other posts on this issue talking about bolt leaks and I think using 5200 under the washers when tightening. Some have also posted that they have cut the bolts off to allow better access and allow torque wrench access to all the bolts.
_____________
Harold Baker
S/V Lucky Duck
Duncan Bay Boat Club
Cheboygan Michigan - Lake Huron
1989 C-36 mkI TR/WK M25XP
Thanks Harold, I'll check that out.
Blair White
2004 C36 MKII # 2169 "Dash"
Pacific Beach, CA
When you dry the bilge it may take some time before trapped water stops seeping from the bolt area. Doesn't mean you have a leak. Be patient.
And whatever you do, do not over-torque the bolts. Use a torque wrench and set to the correct value.
Larry Brandt
S/V High Flight #2109
Pacific Northwest, PDX-based
2002 C-36 mkII SR/FK M35B
Blair,
Something you might want to check on is where the water is coming from. I have recently had major keel-related work done and have learned a few things.
As you likely know, the mast fittings and rigging allow rain water to come down inside the mast and then accumulate in the bilge. Is the water you find fresh?
If so, it is possible that this fresh water seeps down around keel bolts forward into a void layer between the fiberglass layer you can see in the bilges and the more substantial glass construction of the hull and keel stub below. My observations have demonstrated that it can migrate aftwards, emerging as a very slow seepage around keel bolts farther aft. There seems to be a slight slope aft in the underlying layers, at least on my Mk 1.
If the water seeping up past your keel bolts is salt and it is definitely coming up around keel bolts, you may have other concerns. I can say with certainty that slow seepage of salt water around the bolts can result in crevice corrosion of the bolts. The source of your water could be cracks in the bonding/filler material used between the keel and the fiberglass stub when the keel was installed. Such cracks could be the result of a grounding sometime in the past or some other cause that stressed that area.
Stopping any such leak would be on my fix list.
Neil Woodside
Undine
'88 C36 Mk1, #863