Venture 17 keel....

[Trevor Bohm]

Got a 1973 venture 17 for $100 bucks. Great deal but the keel is the only issue.
Looking for advice on the keel repair-keep in mind what was paid for the boat

1) use metal on either side and bolt together
2) Weld the hole to proper size (would that even work with the rust)
3) Cut and weld a new piece on?

 

[okawbow]

The steel looks thick enough to grind down to bare steel and weld. I would fabricate a patch with the right size hole in it, and weld it in place. You might have to add some plate to the existing steel to get the weight back. You could also bolt in some lead at the bottom to get the weight.