Defiance 30s were built to a Sparkman and Stephens design dating back as far as 50 years. They are a well-respected club racer cruiser, and a tough sea going boat. But age shall weary them, as it does everything. Craig Coulsen, owner of the original Defiance 30, appropriately named Defiance, planned routine annual maintenance and pulled Defiance out onto the hardstand. This time though, Coulsen included completely removing the keel, checking its bolts, and reattaching it to the hull, with the work performed by R.M. Marine at Kettering, Tasmania.

Why? Coulsen said “Do I presently have a problem - not that I know of but can't know for sure. The boat has a very long keel/hull attachment surface which could be disguising an issue.”

The keel being removed from Defiance.

As the keel came off, inspection found no indication of moisture save for very little in the extremities. The removal exposed an array of keel bolts included three single bronze threads and two pairs of bronze threads in centre which were originals from 1972, and single stainless steel threads at each extreme end of keel, installation date unknown but likely 1990s. The bronze bolts were in excellent condition with no pitting, but the stainless steel keel bolts were severely corroded. In fact, one of the stainless steel bolts was so corroded Coulsen snapped it off by hand.

Some of the original keel bolts discovered after the keel was removed.

The boat would have passed the visual keel inspection prescribed in the Special Regulations. However, being aware of the makeover project Coulsen voluntarily undertook, Australian Sailing asked for photographs and the actual stainless steel bolts so we could provide the information to World Sailing who have working parties looking at keel improvement. Coulsen has kindly assisted.

Looking to the future, the team at R.M. Marine sourced two new silicon bronze keel bolts and installed into the keel. 

Silicon bronze bolts being prepared for installation.

How long did this take? Coulsen says “If all organised you get keel off replace bolts and back on in less than 5 days on the hard.”

He went on to comment “If you have a boat with stainless steel keel bolts where the keel has not been dropped off in the last 15 years you might want to increase your swimming training. My 20 cents.”

The Defiance 30 named Defiance, back in one piece.

Click here for Safety Information Notices about keels.

The Special Regulations are on the Safety Hub here.

By Glen Stanaway