Honter 33 2006 keel repair

[Tomek]

I have gouged a tip of the wing on my wing keel. I believe the keel is lead. The gouge is about 3" long 2" wide and 1/2" deep.
What material should I use to patch it:
1. Lead? (if so, how to make sure it is firmly atached?)
2. Some epoxy or polyester resin with some reinforcement? (fiberglass or other filler?)
3. Just grind it to make it even, before repainting with anti-fouling paint (it is not big enough to make significant difference in hydrodynamics, I think)

TIA
Tomek

 

[Don S/V ILLusion]

I'm interest in other opinions. My thought is it's more cosmetic than anything else and I'd simply grind it down for appearance sake. Wouldn't play with lead and any filler would likely be only temporary.

 

[Tomek]

Thanks Don, for your reply.
My thought as well, but also interested in other opinions.

 

[shemandr]

I would fair it with epoxy/filler and then paint with anti-fouling paint after removing all coatings in the area.
Plenty of racing sailors have added fairing to their keels to improve the shape for better speed. This doesn't seem that different.

 

[Ralph Johnstone]

3. Just grind it to make it even, before repainting with anti-fouling paint (it is not big enough to make significant difference in hydrodynamics, I think)

Unless you're worried about your tarnishing your rating as a world class racing sailor I'd fair it, paint it, and take off for a beautiful sheltered anchorage with a bottle of wine.

 

[Crazy Dave Condon]

As a hunter dealer, I use to clean to include sanding the area out. Most 2006 Hunter 33’s were lead. Stick a magnet on it and if it does not adhere to the hull, it is lead. Then take two part epoxy recommending Water Tite. It is the most durable and is hard when dry. Wet sand to smooth out and apply anti fouling.

if cast iron, then sand and wipe down with acetone. Apply metal primer that contains zinc chromate and apply immediately to prevent the cast iron from oxidizing. Apply two part Water Tite, then epoxy barrier coats and finally anti fouling paint

the drawback with Water Tite, it needs to be 60 degrees and it a 24 hour cure.

 

[rgranger]