[C320-list] Keel bolt tension

[Charles Holbrook]

 David:
When I bought my boat 6 years ago it was in the cradle.  The first thing I did before launching  was to tighten the keel bolts.  I did not loosen or lubricate as I thought that might just cause trouble down the road.  I borrowed a torque wrench from my local auto repair shop and torqued the bolts to 235ft/lbs.  Sorry, I don't remember where I got the torque specs.  Just google bolt torque specs and you will find a whole menu of specifications for reference.  All bolts were tight but one and that one took 1/8th of a turn to tighten.  No keel bolt issues since we have owned the boat.
Charles Holbrook 95'Cat 320"Nautigirl"    On Sunday, November 29, 2020, 10:39:20 PM EST, David Hayes <davidhayes1 at hotmail.com> wrote:  
 
 Hi all,

I have seen a few comments regarding the appropriate tension for keel bolts, but perhaps not a definitive clarification, so would appreciate any help to confirm what this should be.

I have a 2006 boat with I think 1-inch bolts; don't necessarily think they are loose but am putting the boat up on the hard stand to do antifoul shortly and wondered if I should at least check the keel bolts while I'm at it.

I did see someone suggesting they may be hard to check without loosening, cleaning, lubricating and re-tensioning.....not sure if this is warranted or the only way to check all is ok?

Any thoughts appreciated.
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David Hayes
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