LEAK IN BILGE

[etcwade]

I have 2011 R27 and discovered a very small leak today in one of two bolts just above the shaft on the aft bulkhead. I viewed some of the photos I took of the boat when she was out of the water but could not see anything.

If looking in the bilge facing aft, they are just above the shaft, either side of centerline on a hump shaped part of the hull. Does anybody know what these bolts are for?

Thanks,

Gary

 

[BradOwens]

From your description, it sounds like they may be part of the rudder mount.

 

[etcwade]

Brad,

Thanks for the input. The bolts transit in an almost vertical orientation, and just aft of where the shaft exits the hull. Is there some sort of shaft strut internal to the keel before the shaft exits the keel?

Gary

 

[BradOwens]

I'm not sure about a strut, but there is a cutlass bearing. I don't know if the cutlass bearing is bolted into place or not. I guess Andrew or some one else from Ranger Tugs would be a better source for information than me.

 

[rpmerrill]

My boat is out of the water and I could take a closer look inside and outside.
If you had a photo it would help me.

 

[etcwade]

Bay Ranger,

Thanks, I take photos tomorrow. Thanks for taking the time.

Gary

 

[Red Raven]

The keel of the hull does not extend all the way to where the prop shaft is exposed. There is a bolt-on keel extension that fills the gap from the hull to the prop. The two bolts you refer to are two of the bolts that hold this extension in place. If you look at the keel when out of the water carefully you can see the seam where the two parts join. It sounds like you don't have a complete seal in this seam and around the bolts.

 

[etcwade]

Curt and Tracy,

Thank you for the information. I have a scheduled haul out in two weeks. Another task to add to the list. Again, thank you very much.

Gary

 

[Andrew Custis]

Curt is right. The two bolts help hold the front side of the keel extension in place. Should be lag bolted into lead or brass (I cannot remember which but should be able to remove and reseal them pretty easily.

 

[rpmerrill]

Sure enough, there is a bolted on extra keel down there. I got some photos and posted them in my album.

 

[etcwade]

Bay Ranger, Curt, and Andrew,

Thank you all. I understand all the information you have provided.

Andrew, I am assuming I should not have water in the keel extension; have there been issues before, if so where along the seam should I start looking.

I do appreciate all help from everyone.

Gary

 

[Andrew Custis]

Gary,

We have spoke to the company doing the work and they are up to speed on what needs to be done. We explained to them how the keel extension is installed on the boat and that the repair would most likely be as simple as getting a little sealant around the perimeter of the unit to ensure that there is no water getting in between. Should be a simple touch up.

Thank you,

 

[etcwade]

Andrew,

Thank you very much for the assistance. I sincerely appreciate your and Ranger's support.

Gary