Cast Iron Keel Rust

[Frank Wang]

I am looking to buy a Hunter 30. It has a cast iron keel. There are rust at the wing/fin area of the keel. Should I concerned?Thanks

 

[Steve Dion]

No, but....

Frank:Check out the archives on the subject of keel rust. If you did nothing the keel would probably only last for 40-50 years more.I would either have the owner repair this before you take delivery or deduct for the cost of doing it/having it done. It needs to be sand blasted, primered, sealed and new bottom paint on it to make it right. Surveyor should be able to give you an estimate. I'd guess $300-400 if the boat is out of the water.

 

[Michael O']

Live with the Rust

Steve is quite right in his fix for the keel rust. However, sooner or later (probably sooner) the cast iron will bleed rust from another spot. It's part of the never ending struggle, the ying/yang of oxidation on Hunter's iron keels.You will sand it, scrape it, paste it, epoxy it, and paint it every year for the rest of your life. It's a cosmetic issue 99% of the time. Not pretty, but not dangerous. Feel the force, and live with the struggle!

 

[Frank Wang]

Thanks

Thanks for the advise.

 

[Bud Harrell]

Been there, Done that

Up to last year I had this problem. Every year I sanded, primed, and did the whole thing. It took time. I used several so called solutions, none of them worked until last year. The guy with the boat next to mine is a used car salesman (O' My!) BUT, he said his shop uses a spray-on product you can get at most good car supply places that turns the rust into a part of the primer, in fact, becomes a primer. WHAT? So, I tried it. It worked... This year I had a new spot, so I just sprayed the stuff on and left it all winter, through the snow (my boat is in northern New York, and guess what? It didn't rust any further. So, what I do is apply it on -- do not remove the rust first because it is used by the primer. Wait the required time, use rust'olium (spelling) and cover it with anti-foul. Good luck. I just cannot leave it alone.