Crack aft of keel

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Randy Burns

Randy Burns

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Jun 5, 2004
160
Hunter 27_73-83 Harrington, Maine
Bruce, I have a crack in my Hunter 27 aft of my keel, from flexing, that is about 3" long through all laminates, starting at the keel. Additionaly, the stiffener above is cracked. My plan was to drop the keel, cut out the sole for access and grind away. I assume the Catalina smile procedure posted earlier would finish up the job, and wonder how much I need to remove around the crack. (It would be great if you told me I didn't have to drop the keel). Also what is the best method to repair a cracked stiffener? Thanks Randy Hunter 27
 
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Jim

Smile at keel

Go easy. Take a hand grinder (dremel or whatever) and open the crack. Check for delamination. If you find any, keep grinding until you find stable material. I bet the ranch the groove you grind does not exceed a quarter inch + or -. If so, backbed with 3m 5200 and layer some epoxy over the repair. Fair and paint, Inspect it next haulout.Dropping the keel is a big deal and I would avoid it if at all possible. Ask me how I know. Best regards, Jim
 
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Bruce Niederer

Keel repair

It would be hard for me to say conclusively whether you need to drop the keel or not without inspecting the damage closely, but from your description the damage sounds structural and so it may be best to drop the keel to get the best access possible to fully define the repair. I know it's a real pain to have to do it - especially if it turns out that it may have been unnecessary, but I think it's better to take a conservative approach here.
 
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Randy

Keel crack

Thanks for your responces. I have the fact that is a shoal draf keel going for me, its flat on bottom and my plan was to jack up the boat4" or so and jackstand it, then let the keel down with bottle jacks. Seems like I should just be able to jack it bact to where it was...This assume that 1.Jack stands can support the rest of the weight of the boat with out keel support, and 2. the keel comes off easy. Jim, sounds like you may be able to advise. Also I wasn't clear as the roll of the 5200 in your message.
 
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