Defects and Damage
What do corroded or weeping keel bolts mean?
Keel bolts are the single most critical connection on the boat and work as a group; weakening in one transfers load to the others. A fine line at the joint — a smile crack — points either to a past grounding or to fatigue in the bolts.
Why it works this way
It hides easily under paint, so the area is specifically cleaned before inspection and any suspicion is confirmed with an ultrasonic reading of the remaining bolt section.
Related services
Serkan Kotel · independent yacht surveyor · IIMS · ABYC · MCA
