INVESTIGATOR 563

Recently removed lead ingots from my investigator.Used small hand saw to cut along each side of lead ingot to remove fibreglass covering.Drilled small hole each end of ingot,screwed in 20 mm screw into holes leaving about 5mm gap.Using custom built lifting bar with slotted flat bar to slot under head of screw,lift out ingot.Lifting one end first to break out ingot is best.Next dried out case,2 pac painted casing,replced ingots ,grouted after then fibreglass.Both forward and stern ingots can be removed also.

photo please !!
if you have some
even if it just put back together

Westwind, you have gone where no other forum member has gone before

Was there any concrete around the ingots or anywhere in the keel space. Although his seemed to be optional depending on who and where boat was assembled by I am curious if you found any.

Photos would be interesting .

First step regarding lead ingot removal drill a hole into the ingot to see if it is lead.swarf from small drill will indicate this.ingot was bedded in with concrete grout but this will break out when ingot is lifted.I used a flexible multisaw for the cutout once the fibreglass skin was broken thru with a chisel.By running the saw as close to the centre case and along the hull no damage was done but the saw has to work the full depth of the ingot about 3 inches .l width of ingot about 1 inch.Once removed ingot should be placed on firm flat surface to prevent bending.I will post a photo of reinsalled ingot and equipment used next post.probably easiest to check forward ballast for lead as centre case would be same

Thanks for posting here Westwind, It makes good follow up to the discussion in this thread.

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