Moody 31 MkII Hull keel join

[Roger Hexton]

Thinking of buying a Moody31mk11 bilge keel and concerned about the hull keel joint .

 

[Jeff Williams]

Roger,
Explain what exactly are your concerns.
From your photos the keel joints seem OK; ie no signs of weeping or rust.
However photos of the keel studs inside the boat would be valuable.
Of course your pre-purchase survey will give you the best information.

 

[Roger Hexton]

Thanks Jeff, is it normal to have a gap like that and the keel end lifting slightly?

 

[Jeff Williams]

Roger,
There does seem to be a small gap between the keels and the hull at the aft end of both port and starboard keels.
The gaps appear to have been filled with sealant.
As suggested in previous post it is worth examining the studs especially the aft studs of both keels.

 

[Roger Hexton]

Thanks on my next visit I will

 

[Paul Coley]

I agree with Jeff's advice. I don't think this is unusual, the Moody yachts had a recess for the keel flange to fit in, but it is definitely not precision engineering and there are fairly substantial gaps around it, which are filled with sealant. As the boat gets older the sealant loses it's flexibility and shrinks. Often needing to be raked out, dried and replaced. Hopefully this is just the sealant around the outside of the keel and is not breaking down on the hull to keel flange joint. As Jeff says, check internally and point out to your surveyor.
Paul

 

[Roger Hexton]

Thanks