Onderwerp: Keel bolt replacement on a Defender 15

Hello there!

Firstly; I am new to this forum, and apologize if I am ignorant to the normal conventions.

I am currently nearing the completion of a multi year rebuild of a defender 15 named Zulu. I am preparing for a trans-Atlantic voyage in the spring of 2027. I plan to sail from my hometown of Yorktown VA, USA to Crosshaven, Ireland, stopping once in Lunenberg, Nova Scotia on the way.

My last major task in the rebuild of Zulu is to drop the keel and replace all 10 bolts. I have removed one for inspection previously and it seemed to be in excellent condition, but I worry about the cast iron that it threads into, as that would be the first thing to corrode, given that the stainless bolts are more noble.

I was wondering if anyone on here has themselves, or has know someone to drop the keel of a defender 15/27/32 to replace bolts? I am not aware of any other defenders on this side of the ocean and have never met anyone who has seen a boat like mine before.

I am open to any advice or commentary you all have to offer!

I have attached a photo of Zulu for reference

All the best,

Harry