Keel Bolt and Bilge Pump

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Mcadieux
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Keel Bolt and Bilge Pump

Post by Mcadieux »

OK two questions this time. Was inspecting the boat and noticed the keel boat doesn't seem like the nut is on very far. How much thread should be coming through this nut. Don't want to loose my keel lol.

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Second new boat owner question. I take it this is suppose to be my bilge pump? Currently their is one rigged under the stern dinette seat. I'm assuming this one pictured was broken. If I were to replace this does this type of screw in one usually have a float sensor so it could be left on?
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K9Kampers
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Re: Keel Bolt and Bilge Pump

Post by K9Kampers »

That is NOT a bilge pump. I'm thinking its a transducer for a depth finder or fish finder. I'd hate to think its a thru hull (plastic). Just to be sure, check the hull for an orfice in that like location.
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Tomfoolery
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Re: Keel Bolt and Bilge Pump

Post by Tomfoolery »

That's a nylon-insert locknut ('nylock' in the vernacular), where the nylon on the outside end resists rotation on the bolt threads, but isn't structural. If it were a standard nut, it would be about flush with the end of the bolt. You generally want a couple of bolt threads exposed beyond the nut. You also want stainless steel, and from the look of the rust dribble, I'm guessing it's plated, not SS. If it were me, I wouldn't lose sleep over it, but I would replace it in the fall or spring when it's on the trailer. With a thick plate rather than the little washer, as the rubber is mushing out from under it. Someone with that model boat, and there are a lot of them here, should be able to advise as to the correct sealing, gasket, and washer arrangement.

And ditto K9's observation - that looks like a transducer, probably depth or fish. Don't take it out while the boat's in the water. :o
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grady
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Re: Keel Bolt and Bilge Pump

Post by grady »

At least one thread should be sticking out.
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Seapup
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Re: Keel Bolt and Bilge Pump

Post by Seapup »

I just helped a buddy with his mac 22 keel bolt last weekend. It is supposed to be above water level normally, but for whatever reason his was not and the boat was taking on about a foot of water every 24 hours in its slip. There are rubber gaskets on either side to keep the water out. Turns out the bolt just was not tight enough and letting water in around the gaskets. I see you have what looks like 5200 sealing the gaskets presumably to keep water out. Once tight we did not need any sealant.
K9Kampers
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Re: Keel Bolt and Bilge Pump

Post by K9Kampers »

I just learned of another type of transducer... ultrasonic antifouling system.

Mcadieux- to reference a picture of a bilge pump & threaded transducer side by side - refer to the July 2015 issue of SAIL magazine, page 52, bottom left pic.
Mcadieux
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Re: Keel Bolt and Bilge Pump

Post by Mcadieux »

I'm gonna check tonight to see if it sticks out the bottom of the boat. To me it looked like it stuck into the bilge so I figured it was some kind of old pump. The current pump is under the stern dinette seat but it doesn't have a float sensor
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Catigale
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Re: Keel Bolt and Bilge Pump

Post by Catigale »

K9Kampers wrote:That is NOT a bilge pump. I'm thinking its a transducer for a depth finder or fish finder. I'd hate to think its a thru hull (plastic). Just to be sure, check the hull for an orfice in that like location.
Blowing that picture up it looks like a tapped PVc through hull of some kind.
briantousignant
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Re: Keel Bolt and Bilge Pump

Post by briantousignant »

On my V222 that looks like the speed sender, paddle wheel type. On my boat it is located on port near where the keel winch is located
Mcadieux
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Re: Keel Bolt and Bilge Pump

Post by Mcadieux »

You are correct it was a paddle wheel speed sensor. Now to see if I can make it work lol.
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