1986 keel/Boat Interface Surface cracking

Mar 21, 2005
9
-Hunter -Hunter31 St. Inigoes
I have tried every thing to stop the keel/boat interface surface cracking found at every haul out. I know this subject is not new, but I am hoping someone has solve this problem satisfactory. Years ago the factory recommended to me the following procedure:

"The crack should be dremeled out and then filled with 3M 5200. Then the crack should be fiber glassed over. Sand above and below the crack about 3 inches and use a single layer of 10 once fiberglass cloth. Use an epoxy resin to wet out the fiberglass."

Well I have tried this and many variations with no real success. Some were better than others, but cracks always appeared at haul out. All Hunters of this period seem to have the same problem. I have walked many marinas and found many examples.

Has anyone found a good solution?

Bill
 
Jul 28, 2013
126
Hunter 34 Holland, Mi
I will know more in the fall at haul out. I tried West System thicken flex epoxy with 6oz glass this year. We will see how it holds up.
 
Dec 25, 2000
5,941
Hunter Passage 42 Shelter Bay, WA
Keel Stub Joint

Hi Bill, in 2004 our yard dropped the keel, cleaned the surfaces of the keel and stub joint, re-bed with 3M5200. Since then the boat has been out twice to redo the bottom paint and still no sign of cracking or separating. Trying to do the repair from the outside without dropping the keel is a temporary fix. A good yard will do the job right.
 
Mar 21, 2005
9
-Hunter -Hunter31 St. Inigoes
Keel/Boat Interface Cracking

Thanks,
Your point about taking the keel off and rebedding is a good one but expensive.