O'Day 39 keel to hull joint

Question :
Any info on Oday 39 hull to keel problems ,specificly cracks in hull at the corners of the leading edge of the keel root radiating out on a 45 deg.angle from the corner of the keel into the hull . Vessel is 27 yrs old. many thanks
E.W Clucas
Miles Creek Marine

 

Sounds like it could be impact damage, or just stress cracks. It could also be a sign of something else. The wise course of action is have a surveyor look at the area, both inside and out.

 

O'Day 39 keel/hull joint

Par
thanks for the reply: no impact(this must be the new politacaly correct way for saying :run aground) Its a stress crack that has been there for a long time and has now begun to weep.Have removed the shower pan for a look. By observation :bad layup. Are you familiar w/ the 39'. Thanks again
EWClucas
Miles Creek Marine

PS : what is your business ?

 

I've surveyed a few. The era she's from were the "dark years" of the industry and lots of very poor workmanship got shipped out the door. Also resin changes made a huge impact as well. This coupled with the fact that O-Day wasn't one of the manufactures known for quality builds at this time, all conspire against you.

Without seeing what you're seeing, it's difficult to suggest what to do. The impact damage could have been from a travel lift putting her into a cradle hard, bouncing her off the deck, a shipping container strike, a grounding or one of several possibilities.

Grind out the likely delaminated areas above the spot and epoxy in some material. Bulk it up fairly well, as you can't error on the too much side. On the out side, you'll need to grind open the cracks and fill them. Again, I'd use epoxy and initially a structural filler, such as silica and milled fibers. Naturally, use a fairing filler and smooth to desired effect then paint.

I design, build, repair and restore, because I'm into pain and not making much money.

 

I have an O'day 39 with the same cracks. Did not weep but the boat was just moved and dropped by the crane when picking it from the trailer. Fortunately the boat dropped (about a foot) directly back onto the air ride trailer. The cracks grew from 4" inches to about 10" . The insurance companies are investigating and will be pulling up the shower pan etc. I'll keep you posted as the the repair.

Have you checked the keel bolts? On mine, all keel bolts sound solid when tapped with a hammer with the exception of the one forward bolt on the starboard side. It sounds totally different but did not appear to be loose when I got a wrench on it.
I'll check the port bolt once the shower pan is removed.

The spreader bar crashed down onto the toe rail when the boat dropped and mangled it. O'day toe rail has a bolt hole spacing of 3 - 7/8" not the usual 4". We are having a tough time finding a repair solution. Are you aware of any toe rail for the boat?

 

I saw your post at C&S forum. You've been overly kind to the yard's insurance company if you ask me. If a satisfactory extrusion can't be acquired, then wholesale replacement would be the order of the day. This will require some of the existing fasteners holes be filled.

Testing keel bolts with a hammer may seem reassuring, but it's not particularly effective. Put a torque wrench on them and see if they can tolerate spec.

 

Par
thanks for the reply....But we have a great office . I am sure this is ,as you reported , a product of the dark ages. I have been in the business for some 40 yrs ,to me one of the unsung "Chlorox Bottles" not bad to work on . Lot of miles under the keel. I will take many pics for all and some how I will get them to you for your own edification . Keep in touch . I will interested to hear more from the fellow that had his dropped .
best
EWClucas

 

Oday 39

Tlarson
thanks for the reply.....I have pulled the pan already.I am almost sure my cracks are due to bad lay up .Take a peak at that part of the hull just fwrd of the keel root ,looking athwartships and see if you observe an" unfair" line .
for and aft .I will be interested to hear how "thick " the hull is there. I have pulled the two fwrd keel bolts some 10 yrs ago. All looked very good . You will observe that the 2 fwrd bolts do not have a" backing plate " as the after sets do. With pans out I plan on adding the additional one. By the way what hull # are you . Mine #53. Look fwrd to hearing from you
best
EWClucas

 

Mine is #54 both boats were likely side by side at birth. This will be a great resource.

 

Hull #54 They must be near twins