Cast iron keel has some decent corrosion. Should I address it now before a first sail?

[TheMastiff]

I recently purchased a Hunter 23 and have identified essential repairs, such as a window leak, for instance. The largest repair seems to be the keel, which I believe is cast iron. It has some decent corrosion and should be addressed, even if I can't wait for the first sail.

I have been doing a lot of research on the best way to tackle this keel. Remove all corrosion to a clean, shiny metal, and apply layers of epoxy, and then some fairing/sanding before applying Interlux 2000 in a couple of layers. Is this the right process?

Is it necessary to do this before the first sail, as it was sailed about 7 months ago?

 

[dlochner]

The procedure you have described is almost correct. Bring small sections of the keel to bright metal, immediately coat with Ospho or TotalBoat Rust Preventative, and move to the next section. Once the keel is clean and coated, then use an epoxy based barrier paint. After the first coat of paint, fair as much as you want. Sand and put a couple more coats of epoxy based barrier paint before going with antifouling.

The rust preventative forms a coat of iron phosphate which prevents rust from forming, better than neat epoxy. Iron begins to oxidize, rust, almost immediately. Getting the rust preventative on quickly is important.

The rust won't get any better by putting the boat in the water as it is.

 

[Foswick]

As Dave said.

Also, to the question of whether this can wait ...

It isn't going to hurt to sail like this for a little bit. That rust is already considerable and you aren't going to make it much worse to go out for a few sails. But, the real question about how urgent it is comes down to whether or not the keel is securely attached. The rust on the keel itself, while it does need to be fixed, won't sink the boat. But, what is concerning is that it looks like the rust might involve the joint between the keel and the hull. And, therefore, it might involve the integrity of the keel at the keel bolts and/or the keel itself. Losing or nearly losing the keel will sink the boat, and that would be my concern.

I, personally, would not put her in the water without addressing all of that because I would know that I will definitely be addressing it eventually. So, might as well do it while she is already out of the water. I could not enjoy the sail, worrying about that keel.

That said, I think I would take the extra step of removing the keel entirely, inspecting, repairing, and reattaching with new or thouroughly-inspected bolts. Someone else would be better suited to advise you on exactly what to expect there, but I just get the sense that there is more rust lurking in that joint that you won't fully appreciate or address without removing the keel entirely.

 

[jssailem]

Understanding the nature of risks is essential to good seamanship. @Foswick has identified a possible condition that might involve the risk of sinking. This can not be determined from pictures over the internet. One must inspect the actual boat to identify the level of risk that is involved. Then you can make a logical decision about sailing now and fixing it later or fixing it now. Fixing it now will always be a safer choice.

It is your boat and you get to make the decisions. I always remember that as the skipper I am responsible for all who are on the boat with me.

If you are flumaxed about the level of risk, give yourself a break and seek help from an experienced marine yard. They can advise you based on what they see and their real time experience. You still get to make the final decision.

 

[danooxnard]

I vote for fix it now while it is out of the water. And definitely look at the keel bolts. This kind of work is much easier while the weather is nice! Dano

 

[dLj]

I recently purchased a Hunter 23 and have identified essential repairs, such as a window leak, for instance. The largest repair seems to be the keel, which I believe is cast iron. It has some decent corrosion and should be addressed, even if I can't wait for the first sail.

I have been doing a lot of research on the best way to tackle this keel. Remove all corrosion to a clean, shiny metal, and apply layers of epoxy, and then some fairing/sanding before applying Interlux 2000 in a couple of layers. Is this the right process?

Is it necessary to do this before the first sail, as it was sailed about 7 months ago?

Have you already done the sailing trial? What do you mean by "first sail"? Did you get this boat surveyed prior to purchase? I'm guessing no given it's a 23 footer...

If you do go for a "first sail", how long will you keep it in the water?

Corrosion doesn't just stop or go on pause. But it also doesn't progress in this alloy overly rapidly. It would of course be better to get it fixed sooner rather than later - the sooner you stop the rust, the less material rusts away and can't be recovered...

Looking over your photos, I don't see anything alarming w.r.t. the keel to hull joint. You do have degradation on the port, aft region of the keel. I'd recommend getting some West system Gflex 655 to address that region. The rest of what @dlochner said above is good practice.

dj

 

[Crazy Dave Condon]

If your Hunter 23 wing keel boat is out of the water, put some water in the bilge and let it sit for a couple days. Check the keel to hull joint to see any wetness. If dry on the hull , may I suggest you leave it alone and follow @dlochner advice.

I am a former Hunter dealer who introduced the 23 and did my fair share working on the 23’s. If you wan to talk with me, send me a private message. Advice is free l
Crazy Dave

 

[Benny17441]

I would concur that before you undertake that task go ahead a do a trial sail to determine the overall health of the entire boat and to develop a list of things To Do for when you haul it out. A lot can happen in a boat sitting out for 7 months.

 

[TheMastiff]

I spoke with Crazy Dave this morning on the phone. I appreciate all the responses. I plan on tackling the keel using dlochner's method this coming week, among other things Dave brought to my attention.