Removal of Swan 48 keel

Hi,

We have recently removed the keel on our Swan 48 Sleeper, the work was carried out by the Falmouth Boat Company in Flushing, Cornwall, must say the yard have been excellent and overseen by local surveyor Mr Nick Healy.

The removal of the keel is to say the least a huge undertaking,the mast had to be pulled, the water and diesel tanks also had to be removed, we are very fortunate in that the mast step is in perfect condition and has been maintained with no corrossion, the yard had to expose all the gel coated nuts around and along the mast step, next job was then to expose the external galleries in the keel that retained nuts and washers, during the process all the keels studs nuts and washers were replaced. The new keel studs/nuts were then torqued up. Final job will be to lead fill the external galleries and re gel coat the internal nuts.

As with most Swan 48's they were suplied with trim tabs, it has been a useful experience in exposing the trim tab to freshen up. maintain and then re expoxy.

Keel removal on older Swansis a substantial job, she should now be good for another 50 years! I would suggest getting to inspect the mast step is an important job especually to inspect the mast step and check keel bolts.

Will update with latest progress.

keel bolt galleries

Keel bolt galleries

Dear Jonty,

thank you very much for ìinteresting post, very useful, and congratulation for the big job!

Could you please send me more and high definition photos of the before, during after, inside and outside?

Thanks in advance!

All best,

matteo (47/069 Vanessa)

Tnx for posting this news and photos.

Did you find any corrosion on the old keel bolts?

G.Bruloot/Tarot