hole in keel

[annie]

Upon launching my lm27 after 3 weeks on the hard to re-gel the topsides, I experienced a leak. I had the boat lifted out again, and the problem proved to be a small ( 5mm) threaded hole near the aft end of the long keel. There was a hole on each side near the aft end of the keel at the level of the prop shaft, which I assume is for the purpose of lubricating the shaft ??   About 3" below the hole on the starboard side, I noticed the threaded hole. I sealed that hole by screwing in a 5mm bolt to which I had applied silicone sealant. This solved the leak !! Does anyone know whether this is a design feature and, if so, the purpose of that threaded hole ?

[oceandancer]

Hi annie, The only threaded hole that I am aware of is at the bottom of the engine sump, further forward than you describe and only on the port side. This hole is about 20mm in diameter with a fine threaded plug. The holes you describe are definitely NOT a standard feature of the LM27. I don't know what they are for but some other member may have come across something similar. It sounds like you have done the right thing in sealing them .

Regards

Mick Legg