Expanding ballast on a lancer 28.

[Christophe]

Has anyone out there had problems with cracks forming around the margins of the keel area? I suspect rust is causing the ballast to expand. The cracks were there previously but have expanded more since having the boat hauled recently. Any ideas for fixing? Thanks for any and all feedback or comments.

 

[Brian S]

I can't say about your Lancer, but I do know of other boats from the 70's with steel punchings used as ballast. The older Montgomery 23s were like this, and the keel would swell shut preventing the centerboard from moving. The only real solution is to cut open the keel, chisel out the rusted punchings and resin, and refill with lead and resin: http://sailhavasu.com/saildauntless...llastreplacement86a9.html?cr=1&linkvar=000044

 

[Christophe]

Brian,
Thanks for the info. Your solution to the problem was ingenious. Hope I don't have to do that but won't be surprised if I do.
Chris

 

[Brian S]

Oh, no, that wasn't my boat My O'day has lead ballast. But it also has a sinking mast step that I will need to cut open and probably dig out wet plywood and repair.

 

[Christophe]

Well, I'd rather do that repair than replace my ballast!