[JAMES CRUICKSHANK]

I am refurbishing my verle 790 class yacht after I ran aground last year. The boat was built in 1979. I took the keel off and uncovered a can of worms. The bolts were twisted and the holes they came out of the hull were much bigger than the bolts. There was even an extra half hole at the forward end. The boat was written off by the insurance. I decided to replace the bolts which are made of cast iron. But I can’t get then out after heating them up. A blacksmith couldn’t get them out. No one can tell me if the bolts are screwed into the keel or are permanently fixed. So I’m drilling two out and planning to replace them with new bolts by tapping new threads into the keel. I’m curious doesn’t anyone know if the bolts are permanently fixed or do they screw out?

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[Philip Coleman]

In view of your issues, would you suggest strengthening the keel to boat body, I’m looking at one of these but if the keel peels off so easily could you recommend this boat?

[Philip Coleman]

Cast iron bolts, would high tensile steel or stainless bolts be more practical?

[Steve Barham]

I have just come accross your question about your Keel Bolts etc.

I have owned a Verle 790 ‘Verlette’ for twelve years.  My understanding is that ‘Verlette’ was built in 1990 by someone having obtained the moulds after Verle had stopped trading.  The hull seems tobe laid up heavily which I am pleased about and all of the works including joinery are to a high standard.

I replaced the keel bolts or rather a reputable engineer completed the whole job for me.  The keel was hard to get off as there was virtually no tolerance in the bolts and holes, almost in ‘interferance fit’.  The boat sat in a purpose made cradle which held the keel upright.  Very little corrosion had taken palce, that which had was at the joint.  Whilst the keel was off I replaced all of the bolts with new purpose made stainless steel.  The original bolts unscrewed from the keel by spanner using lock nuts.

Because of the lack of tolerance in the holes it took over two hours of constantly juggling the crane locating the new bolts.  My surveyor was in attendance and all was satisfactory.  Nuts and washers were applied to the correct torque.

The Verle 790 is a lovely boat and attracts many comments on her pleasant aesthetics. I intend to continue sailing for years to come with minimal maintenance necessary.

I wonder if your boat was a kit completed at home, no boatyard build should leave you with the problems you have stated.  I hope you have successfully completed the reinforcing of the keel to hull connections. and are enjoying the great sailing that these boats offer.  If you have any questions or would like further info just let me know.

[Author]

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