Hello all,
I visited my 1984 Catalina 36 on 4/25/17 which is on a cradle in Michigan. There is a hairline crack on the front of both sides of the keel extending 15 inches aft. This is between the fiberglass stub and lead keel. It was not there in the fall. Based on my internet studies, this may be caused by poor blocking of the keel. I understand the keel needs to be supported forwards not aft, due to the aft rake of the keel. Unfortunately, I supported the full length of the keel. I plan to check the forward keel bolts for torque. Mike Barnard from West System has an internet article suggesting widening and beveling the crack then filling with G flex 655. I plan to check the integrity of the plywood beneath the fiberglass in the bilge. Any thoughts? Thanks.
Nick
I visited my 1984 Catalina 36 on 4/25/17 which is on a cradle in Michigan. There is a hairline crack on the front of both sides of the keel extending 15 inches aft. This is between the fiberglass stub and lead keel. It was not there in the fall. Based on my internet studies, this may be caused by poor blocking of the keel. I understand the keel needs to be supported forwards not aft, due to the aft rake of the keel. Unfortunately, I supported the full length of the keel. I plan to check the forward keel bolts for torque. Mike Barnard from West System has an internet article suggesting widening and beveling the crack then filling with G flex 655. I plan to check the integrity of the plywood beneath the fiberglass in the bilge. Any thoughts? Thanks.
Nick
Last edited: