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Keel Inspecting Procedure

The document outlines the Model Keel and Rudder Inspection Procedure as part of the World Sailing Offshore Special Regulations, detailing the requirements for structural inspections of boats in Categories 0, 1, 2, and 3. Inspections must be conducted by qualified personnel, focusing on both internal and external conditions of the keel and rudder, with specific checks for signs of damage, corrosion, and structural integrity. A model inspection form is provided for documenting the process, but it does not guarantee seaworthiness or that repairs have been made.

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39 views2 pages

Keel Inspecting Procedure

The document outlines the Model Keel and Rudder Inspection Procedure as part of the World Sailing Offshore Special Regulations, detailing the requirements for structural inspections of boats in Categories 0, 1, 2, and 3. Inspections must be conducted by qualified personnel, focusing on both internal and external conditions of the keel and rudder, with specific checks for signs of damage, corrosion, and structural integrity. A model inspection form is provided for documenting the process, but it does not guarantee seaworthiness or that repairs have been made.

Uploaded by

branko.scuba
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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World Sailing Offshore Special Regulations

APPENDIX L – Model Keel and Rudder Inspection Procedure


The model form is not the only means of meeting the needs of OSR 3.02.3 Evidence of Periodic
Structural Inspection, Organising Authorities may develop on-line forms.

Category 0,1,2 Structural Inspection of a boat shall be completed by a qualified person both
internally (may be in the water) and externally (out of the water). The purpose of this inspection
is to identify and report to the Owner the condition of the keel and keel structure observed during
this inspection. Category 3 inspection: from 1 January 2023 the Owner/representative shall
inspect the integrity of the keel and rudder. It is the responsibility of the Owner to undertake any
repairs.

Consult the Owners’ Manual for the specific boat, steering system and type of keel (e.g. fin, lifting,
swinging, full length). Inspect in detail any high-load areas: keel attachment, keel floor, steering
systems, rudder(s). Pay special attention to prior repairs, especially following groundings.

Internal Inspection: Check backing plates, bolting arrangements, sump area and keel floors for
any signs of cracking, weakening, or de-laminated tabbing. Lead or lead alloy keels may require
tightening of bolts to ISO standards due to lead creeping. Inspect keel bolt nuts for corrosion.
Check bolt holes for “ovaling.” Visually inspect for possible de-bonding of the supporting structure.

External Inspection: Check there are no signs of stress cracks (not gelcoat cracks) around the
keel attachments to hull, or movement or opening around the keel/hull interface which may allow
water ingress and consequent keel bolt crevice corrosion. If in doubt, sand back bottom paint/gel
coat to identify depth of crack. Check keel tip deflection to insure immediate return and no internal
concomitant movement in the keel floor. Visually check high stress regions, particularly around
the forward and aft hull attachment areas of the keel, for signs of paint or gelcoat cracking or
large, deep blisters, which can indicate separation and structural weakness.
Rudder/Steering system: Check bearing area for any damage/stress cracks; check rudder shaft
and blade integrity, especially at any shaft joins and at upper connections to hull/deck. Undertake
a tip deflection test to identify any excessive movement. If applicable, check rudder straps and
gudgeons for corrosion or cracking.

Lifting and swing keels: In addition to above, check there are no significant stress cracks in
structure around pins supporting the keel. Check for extensive corrosion on pins, cylinders and
supporting metal structure.

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APPENDIX L – Model Keel and Rudder Inspection Procedure

Model Keel and Rudder Inspection Form

Boat Name: Sail Number:

Owner Name: Designer:

Address:

Owner email: Builder:

Primary Launch Date: Hull Identification Number:

World Sailing Plan Review Certificate Number:

The following checks may be completed with boat in the water:

Item: Action: Inspector’s Notes:

Keel Bolts Check for excessive corrosion.


Torque to manufacturer’s specs.
Internal Hull Structure Check for signs of structural failure
and/or laminate separation especially in
area around keel structure, keel floor
and other stress points.

The following checks to be conducted externally with boat out of the water:

External Hull Condition Check for hull stress cracks around


leading and trailing edge attachment
point to structure, hull appendages and
keel sumps.

Inspect keel/hull interface for signs of


damage by tip deflection test.
Rudder Check for cracking of the rudder
bearing/hull assembly.

Inspect rudder for integrity by tip


deflection test.
Declaration of Completed Inspection:

Location: Date:

This visual inspection has been conducted to observe and report on visually noticeable indications that may
compromise the structural integrality of the vessel’s keel and rudder. It does not ensure that the vessel is
seaworthy or that the Owner has repaired the identified problems.
Print name: Signature:

Address:

62

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