We just bought the Aeolus v383 as "salvage" and we are working our way
around the boat inside and out planning to get her in the water next
summer. Over the years and multiple owners, most everything has been
removed (engine, stove, heater, head) except for the mold and mildew.
We knew the boat needed a lot of work so no surprises but I am unsure
of how to deal with the keel. There appears to be a leak in the bilge
allowing water into the keel.
The boat has been out of the water the last few years. On the bottom
of the keel on both side but much worse on the side opposite the bilge
plug are many small leaks. When I scrap away the antifouling paint, I
uncover circular plugs that appear to be metal. Water is leaking
around the plugs. All of these are below the level of the bilge plug.
I drilled a small hole near the bottom of the aft keel and drained a
fair amount of rusty colored water from the keel. This is in a boat
that has not been in the water for two years.
A careful examination of the bilge reveals a crack near the bottom
below and extending to above the bilge plug. The fiberglass at the
bottom of the bilge on the side opposite the plug needs repairing.
Finally, a careful look at the keel in the area of the plugs and leaks
opposite the bilge plug reveals a subtle but definite bulging compared
to the other side. In addition, the keel taps hollow in the aft part
of the keel whereas the forward is clearly solid. I think over the
last couple of winters, the water that leaked from the bilge probably
froze in the keel.
My questions are a couple. Are the multiple plugs seen at the bottom
of the keel part of the original manufacturing or something done
afterwards, and why? More importantly, what is the best way to repair
the leaks?
My plan was to grind down the bilge and build up with a half-dozen
layers of mat. Waterproof seems more important than strength in this
area. On the exterior keel, I was not going to grind down a lot of
fiberglass, just enough to get a good surface, and lay up the
following layers: mat-mat-woven-mat-woven-mat-mat in increasing areas
to seal the keel on both sides and underneath. Should I also fill the
hollow gap between the ballast (iron in the aft) and exterior
fiberglass or just leave alone? The fiberglass seem structurally sound
here.
Let me end by saying that the Vega is an incredible boat. Aeolus is 35
years old and the fundamental aspects of the boat are in great shape.
Nothing a little resin and mat can't fix.
I would appreciate any help, suggestions or advice.
Bill Wood
v383 Aeolus
around the boat inside and out planning to get her in the water next
summer. Over the years and multiple owners, most everything has been
removed (engine, stove, heater, head) except for the mold and mildew.
We knew the boat needed a lot of work so no surprises but I am unsure
of how to deal with the keel. There appears to be a leak in the bilge
allowing water into the keel.
The boat has been out of the water the last few years. On the bottom
of the keel on both side but much worse on the side opposite the bilge
plug are many small leaks. When I scrap away the antifouling paint, I
uncover circular plugs that appear to be metal. Water is leaking
around the plugs. All of these are below the level of the bilge plug.
I drilled a small hole near the bottom of the aft keel and drained a
fair amount of rusty colored water from the keel. This is in a boat
that has not been in the water for two years.
A careful examination of the bilge reveals a crack near the bottom
below and extending to above the bilge plug. The fiberglass at the
bottom of the bilge on the side opposite the plug needs repairing.
Finally, a careful look at the keel in the area of the plugs and leaks
opposite the bilge plug reveals a subtle but definite bulging compared
to the other side. In addition, the keel taps hollow in the aft part
of the keel whereas the forward is clearly solid. I think over the
last couple of winters, the water that leaked from the bilge probably
froze in the keel.
My questions are a couple. Are the multiple plugs seen at the bottom
of the keel part of the original manufacturing or something done
afterwards, and why? More importantly, what is the best way to repair
the leaks?
My plan was to grind down the bilge and build up with a half-dozen
layers of mat. Waterproof seems more important than strength in this
area. On the exterior keel, I was not going to grind down a lot of
fiberglass, just enough to get a good surface, and lay up the
following layers: mat-mat-woven-mat-woven-mat-mat in increasing areas
to seal the keel on both sides and underneath. Should I also fill the
hollow gap between the ballast (iron in the aft) and exterior
fiberglass or just leave alone? The fiberglass seem structurally sound
here.
Let me end by saying that the Vega is an incredible boat. Aeolus is 35
years old and the fundamental aspects of the boat are in great shape.
Nothing a little resin and mat can't fix.
I would appreciate any help, suggestions or advice.
Bill Wood
v383 Aeolus