M384 keel construction

[lenz]

<div>Is the M384 keel solid lead? I want to sink a bolt into the
keel for SSB radio grounding. If keel is solid lead, I assume I
could drill into the bottom of the bilge and sink a bolt there.
This is the forward area of the bilge which I assume is away
from the fuel tank. Any feedback appreciated. Thanks.Bill Gloege
Gaia - M384 docked in Pedro Miguel Boat Club, Panama Canal
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[aurora2]

Why not use a ground shoe instead? The holding tank is aft of the fuel tank and I'm not sure if you can get a drill under the tank. The six foot draught has alittle more room. I used a large Dynaplate whichis about 100 sq. ft. Hello from S.F.

 

[aistqm]

<div>I spoke to Pete Brown about the 382 series keel and here is what he told me. The lead is one big 5700 lb chunk that is lowered into the keel and held in place with a mixture of catylized resin mixed with granite dust. It is then glassed over with 20oz roving. As long as your in the center of the vessel and over the lead, you should be OK. You may dull a few bits though. I wonder though if you could use the bolts that hold the keel step inplace? In the "for what its worth catogory", there is a good discussion on the previous BB about this. I spoke with a friend who is a ham and an electrical engineer, he agrees that the use of foil in the bilge and keel should make for excellent impedence for ham frequencies. Please let us know how it works.Jay
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[balthazor]

My yard did the work on the mast step so I am not sure what they found exactly. They claim not to have found lead after going several inches down under the mast. Other than right there, by the way, I think it would be hard to find the lead, because of the tanks, etc. But, the question is, how far down is the lead, I don't know. It surely also depends on whether your boat is 5 foot draft or six foot. Mine is six feet, so it may be pretty far down. How big a piece is 5700 lbs of lead. Finally, it is very nice to know that the ballast is one piece and not a bunch of ingots in with mish mash.