At least that’s the decision we made after we broke the torque wrench hammering these guys down. It was a bit of a project all told but we got ‘er done and were glad we did because we ended up discovering and righting some hardware wrongs once we’d dug into the project. Note to viewers: Check your keel bolts every 3-5 years. Thanks to the boys at Perdido Sailor, Inc. for coaching us DIY’ers along. Enjoy!
Hope everyone has been enjoying the content. I’m excited to get the next Gift of Cruising posted. It’s been a crazy busy week at the yard. But, look what I got some badassery footage of for you yesterday …
Yep, our stick is back in the air. I’m so happy I could just about get my own erection! Ha. I had to. (You’re welcome Brandon.) If you’re enjoying the show, get inspired and get on board and I’ll get my next Gift up soon. Thank you!!
Yeay Annie,
Now she is looking good. I know what you mean about putting the stick back in. With it just hanging there like a quilateen. It is a delicate project. I have done in hundreds of times over the years with boats up to 50 feet. Just the two of us with years of experience and although I am confidant and comfortable with it it is always a project that requires diligence and care.
Nice job with all of this.
Rick
SV Isla Azul
Yes, it was definitely frightening. Just with everything we’ve been through with that blasted boat, I could just imagine the mast falling right through her hull. Lord have mercy! But, Brandon did a great job of helping us guide her in and center her up before we tightened down any rigging. It feels kind of crazy that we’ve sort of “built a new rig” by picking out and designing all of the pieces ourselves. But, it really is simple when you think about it, just physics and properties and I now know every piece on there, where it goes and what it does. Such a good feeling next time a 30+ gust comes barreling down on us! Thanks for following Rick!
Enjoying your blog. Our son, daughter-inlaw, and our only granddaughter live in FWB. We have a Hunter 356 on Beaver Lake in Arkansas. We are headed to the Sail Club this morning to wake our boat up from the winter. Makes me think I better check our keel bolts.
Thanks for the reminder.
Noel Morris
SV My Liberty
Springdale, AR
Hey Noel. Thanks for writing and the kind words. So glad you’re enjoying the posts and vidoes. I’m certainly having fun sharing our journey and helping other cruisers get out there. Please check out our Give the Gift of Cruising campaign on Patreon if you haven’t already: https://www.patreon.com/havewindwilltravel?ty=h. And, yes, DO check the keel bolts. I had no clue they would need tightening but it makes sense. We’re learning so much at the yard! Thanks for the nice note! Have a great day at the Club. Say “Rise and shine boat! It’s cruising time!” : D
Annie: You got me thinking about our Aphrodite’s keel. The boat doesn’t leak at any time. It doesn’t weep when hauled and only has one little “smile.” (We hit a ledge in Harpswell Sound, Maine a few years ago.) I looked up how to determine torque specs. It seems that the torque value is a function of material and bolt diameter. How did you guys determine the correct amount of torque?
BTW, the bottom looks really nice and smooth. Glad the rig is in place. A great feeling.