concern about 23 winged keel

[ralph]

Trading in the sun fish (plus some cash) for a hunter 23, concerned about the keel, 1. The wings are heavily rusted although I think they can be rescued- but what IF.. They are too far-gone and need to be removed- what are the consequences to this action.2. The area where the keel meets the hull seems to be a line of rust showing and there is a gap at the front of the keel. The bottom paint has been removed and is pretty much down to the fiberglass (and as shown in the picture exposed rusted metal) 3. If the picture turns out you can see the rust4. once the rust is removed does it need to be re-fiberglassedSo, is this a big problem, do you experienced keelboat sailors think I should look else where- what will it take to fix it and what should I look for in a trailorable keelboat? Need some feed back before the credit union check gets here...

 

[mike]

some cash?

Yea I'd think you'd have to give SOME cash with your sunfish. The H23 is a FINE boat and well worth the fixin up. I'm no expert on the keel/bottom joint or the fiberglass fixup but I'm sure you'll get the info you need here. But as to cutting off the keel wings................I DON'T THINK SO! I know someone who cut the wings off his keel and he can't point now. It looks fixable. Goferit!

 

[Jim Maroldo]

H23 keel info

The photo you included is pretty blurry, but we got the point! Yes, it looks pretty bad, but not so far gone as to be unrepairable. You can check the archives for LOTS of H23 keel refinishing info. Also check the link below to Interlux site (look under "Boat Painting Guide"). I followed their instructions to the letter after sandblasting mine, and it came out great! Some folks have 'glassed their keel, but I don't think it's necessary. Glass won't work unless all the cleaning is done anyway, and if it does start to rust again, you'll probably have a huge mess before you notice it again. The Interlux filler will do a good job of filling the pitted areas. I agree with Mike... DON'T cut off the wings! They're on there for a reason (helps keep the blue side down). ENJOY... it's a great boat!Jim Maroldos/v: Lil' Wass Ett

 

[Ward]

Very Fixable

Ralph,My keel was every bit as bad. I took an air chisel (what they use to cut mufflers off of cars and basically beat off the rust, old paint and fairing compound. This sounds wierd, but it sure saved a LOT of time. I then faired the keel. You could probably use auto body putty if you wanted or but it from a marine store. I did my whole job in a weekend and it looks just like new. This keel is cast steel so you aren't going to hurt it much. As for the gap between the keel and the hull. Just fill it with fairing coumpound or bondo and sand it. Thats what mine had in it originally and thats what I put back in it.Ward

 

[Bruce Hill]

My 2 cents...

You are getting good advice, particulalry about NOT cutting off the wings...it's that "blue side down" thing!A couple more things...if there is a gap between the leading edgs of the keel and the hull, there is a reason...usually banging into the bottom. Check the hull inside to ensure no visible damage to the integrity. When you fix the keel you will want to lower it, seal the joint, then raise it back up flush (at least that's what I have been told, others would know better). Also, you use the term "refiberglass" the keel. It was not glassed, just painted up real purty at one time.Ward, an air chisel???? I like it, a new tool I can blame on the boat!!!!!