Keel blistering

[twofoot]

Need some additional advice…When I pulled my 2007 Beneteau 373, I noticed considerable blistering on the keel... The boat yard suggested I sandblast the keel and re-paint/prep keel… Does this sound correct???

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Sandusky, Ohio...

 

[Ducati]

Is this a lead or steel keel?

 

[DougM]

I had some minor blistering on the iron keel of my 323. There is a recommended epoxy coating process that the manufacturer uses which would probably require removal of of all of the old coating right down to the cast iron. Probably agood idea if blistering is extensive and/or in salt water.

The blistered area on my keel tended to be at the transition radius between the keel fin and the bulb and was not extensive. It looked more like is was the result of freeze/thaw cycles because of snow buildup during winter storage. I repaired it by grinding thoose areas down to bare metal and coating with 5 coats of an interlux underwater primer product, then applying new bottom paint. Its been 3 seasons since I did it and it has not shown any signs of blisters or rust seepage. I just bottom paint with VC17 annually.

 

[larryw]

I had some ginormous blisters on the hull, and some smaller ones on the iron keel. just grind it out, epoxy it and paint.

 

[twofoot]

Lead Keel

Is this a lead or steel keel?

Lead Keel...

 

[Bob Mack]

Re: Lead Keel

Towfoot:

I also have a 2007 373. If you research a bit more I believe you'll confirm that it is a cast iron keel. From discussions with Interlux I've learned they developed the factory finish program.

I had a few minor rust blooms show up after my first year. The local Interlux rep was nice enough to inspect in detail and based on his advice, I took the keel finish down to the factory white finish, blasted the blooms down to cast iron, and applied about 7 coats of Interlux 2000 2-part epoxy. The result, no problems over the past 4 hauls.

 

[twofoot]

Bob,

I would think Beneteau would cover the labor/cost of the keel repair... My boat has been in the water for three seasons...From the outside looking in, my perception, Beneteau never "preped" the keel correctly... Advice???

 

[BoxedUp]

Is this a prevalent problem with Beneteau keels?

 

[Gunni]

No, but you do want to scrutinize the practices and procedures of the commissioning dealer.