[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.

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