411 Keel Bolts

As a matter of routine maintenance, please advise as to whether it is normal procedure to ring test the bolt nuts for tightness and what would be the frequency for this to be done ?

Dear N.,

I thought you sold your 411, is that information not correct?

These S&S designed Swan are not as modern boats (light, delicate and built on a scheduled obsolescence), so most of the 824 S&S Swan built have never checked the keel bolts, at least not as a normal maintenance.

Of course it is a different matter if the boat went aground, in that case it is absolutely recommended, even if there is no leaking.

Why not doing an ultrasound test if you want be 100% sure?

Or, if you want to check the actual keel bolts, just download the "keel bolts" document from "technical papers" on classicswan.org, in order to have the right torque.

There's no rule for the frequency. I could say "every 40 or 50 years?".

Fair winds!

matteo (47/069 Vanessa)

Dear N.,

I thought you sold your 411, is that information not correct?

These S&S designed Swan are not as modern boats (light, delicate and built on a scheduled obsolescence), so most of the 824 S&S Swan built have never checked the keel bolts, at least not as a normal maintenance.

Of course it is a different matter if the boat went aground, in that case it is absolutely recommended, even if there is no leaking.

Why not doing an ultrasound test if you want be 100% sure?

Or, if you want to check the actual keel bolts, just download the "keel bolts" document from "technical papers" on classicswan.org, in order to have the right torque.

There's no rule for the frequency. I could say "every 40 or 50 years?".

Fair winds!

matteo (47/069 Vanessa)

Thanks Matteo, just one more question on this. If the 411 had been laid up on land in a steel cradle for some two and a half years, would you expect that to be a reason in itself for testing the keel bolt nuts for tightness ?

Dear N.,

I wonder why.

Best,

matteo (47/069 Vanessa)

Dear Matteo,

Thanks again for your quick response.

Best,

N.