First 40.7 keel reinforcement

[Wckoek]

These are good boats that are much maligned since the Cheeky Rafiki incident and hence being sold for a low price in the used market.

I have heard that there are some program that successfully modified and strengthened the keel grid structure, I wondered how would be the appropriate way to do it, and does anyone known of any boat that had successfully did the modification?

Been looking into one of these boats.

Thanks

 

[Guest]

They are built to rigorous maritime engineering standards

 

[Wckoek]

They are built to rigorous maritime engineering standards

Yes, but that is a subjective standard, good enough for weekend cruising or offshore/ocean races?
Have read a few post about the keel even before Cheeky Rafiki happens as I search the past posts here; along with rudder issues.

 

[Guest]

There are regulations governing what materials they can be made of

 

[Zonker]

Must be fiberglass. No cardboard or paper derivatives.

 

[12 metre]

I don't want to spoil the fun - but I don't want to keep Wckoek in suspense any longer than necessary either:

 

[ctutmark]

Jazz, a Bene 40.7, doing the Fastnet just dropped out b/c of a leak at the keel bolts so it is a current issue with these boats, especially as they age 

 

[Guest]

Personally I wouldnt go near one that I didnt know the history of based on the reports.  Even the best designed grids could have a sketchy installation by low wage workers on Friday afternoon. If your plan is to cruise or race in relatively sheltered water then why not but crossing oceans? Not for me.

The grid is a major item, I really cant see how you can repair one properly and with confidence without removing the interior, sectioning it out and almost starting from scratch again.

 

[See Level]

They are designed to rigorous maritime engineering standards

Small correction

 

[Parma]

SailNet had a good article, ( https://www.sailnet.com/threads/beneteau-keel-bolts.325366/ ) but uncertain if that particular design can actually be strengthened.

 

[Alex W]

Jazz, a Bene 40.7, doing the Fastnet just dropped out b/c of a leak at the keel bolts so it is a current issue with these boats, especially as they age 

Jazz was a First 40, not a First 40.7.

I don't know if the grid design is different between the 40.7 and 40.  I don't want to buy either of them.

 

[Bill E Goat]

This is apparently the one that had the leak

View attachment 456567

 

[Upp3]

Jazz was a First 40, not a First 40.7.

I don't know if the grid design is different between the 40.7 and 40.  I don't want to buy either of them.

Grid design should be different: "The hull shape is beamier, lower and sleeker than the 40.7’s. It is also a foot longer than the 40.7 with 25 percent more righting moment" https://www.sailmagazine.com/boats/beneteau-first-40-2

25% isn't trivial amount imho.

 

[SCANAS]

This is apparently the one that had the leak

View attachment 456567

Seriously? Confirmed? 

 

[Sailabout]

one hit wonder then its landfill...
CE said so..

 

[alphafb552]

How can you REinforce something that was never ‘inforced’ to begin with?

 

[Sail4beer]

Let me reinforce this, don’t buy one.

 

[Sailabout]

I'm sure the keel with work in another boat although they do have welded in ss studs, and thats just a little more temporary than CE brass thru hulls...

 

[fastyacht]

Convert it to a trimaran. Problem solved.