Bilge Problems

[Sean]

I have a '77 Cat 27 that has cracks and actually a few bare spots (fiberglass mat exposed) in the bottom of the bilge. The previous owner appears to have done a poor job of fixing this problem before as there is gel coat on everything, the keel bolts, the keel nuts, etc.....all which is rather sloppy. What is the best method for removing all the old gel coat without harming the fiberglass mat which appears to be in decent shape? I also am considering putting in some additional mat while I have everything clean. I also plan to replace my keel nuts at this time and then cover the new nuts in epoxy resin. What advice can you offer? Thanks,Sean "Roll the Dice" Catalina 27, 1977 Standard Interior

 

[Steve Dion]

Don't cover the nuts & bolts.

Sean:I do not think that covering the nuts and bolts with anything is advisable. There are several articles about lack of oxygen on metals. This seems to cause some type of corrosion problems. I think that you are better off cleaning the mess up and keeping your bilge clean and dry.If you want to put anything on the keel bolts maybe something like boesheild or one of the other anti corrosive lubricants may be in order.As far as the glass mat is concerned, I would patch the areas with epoxy and use some good paint or leave it plain.

 

[Brian Pickton of BeneteauOwners.net]

Second Steve's motion...

Feb,28, 2001Dear Sean,I second Steve's motion about not epoxing the keel bolts. To remove the old gel coat use a combination of a small mini grinder with various grinding stones to reach into corners, like a Dremel tool, and a random orbit sander with a small disc and either course grit sandpaper or a metal prep pad at low speed for the larger areas. Then proceed very, very carefully and finish up with small chisels and files. After you have epoxied everything in I would suggest painting with an epoxy barrier coat paint, such as Interprotect 1000, to help prevent water penetration and osmotic blistering.Good luck with the project.Brian Pickton of BeneteauOwners.netaboard The Legend,Rodney Bay St. Lucia