Hunter 41ac Keel question

[davespud]

Greetings, all.

Does anyone know if the Hunter 41ac’s keel is fiberglass/gel coat covered? We just purchased one. The survey describes ”gelcoat abrasions and nicks” on the keel. The keel is lead right? Would Hunter cover that with fiberglass and gelcoat?

I suppose we’ll know when we haul her next, but it would be nice to make some plans for the haul out.

 

[Ralph Johnstone]

Does this boat have an age or did it just appear out of thin air ?

I can say the at the turn of the century (this century) Hunter keels were lead with only a gel coat cover. Any repairs will require minor work to patch. The purpose of the gel coat is to give the bottom paint a good surface to bond to. Gel coat appears to bond to anything and everything.

 

[jssailem]

Welcome to the forum.
How new to sailing are you? You can anticipate that Hunter used Lead in the construction of the keel, unless it is identified differently.
Ballast: 6,506 lb / 2,951 kg
LIkely the keel is part fiberglass and part lead. What ever it will be (or should be) painted with a bottom paint.

 

[Crazy Dave Condon]

Year and exact model would help. Upon retirement I think Hunter switched back to cast iron due to the cost of lead

 

[Ralph Johnstone]

Upon retirement I think Hunter switched back to cast iron due to the cost of lead

Yipes, what year was that. Hard to swallow when you think of the problems with CI.

 

[Davidasailor26]

Yipes, what year was that. Hard to swallow when you think of the problems with CI.

Lead is better but I wouldn’t say iron is really that bad. Its downsides are lower density (more surface area for the same ballast) and corrosion. Except for racing the density isn’t that big of a deal. The corrosion is annoying but manageable. Each season I get a couple quarter size spots that need to be sanded and barrier coated. Production boats are prices are at least partially based on what the market will bear, so a builder that saves cost by using iron can put that cost into other components, which may or may not be more valuable for an individual buyer than lead would be.

 

[Ralph Johnstone]

The corrosion is annoying but manageable.

Given deep pockets, yes.

A half lift every year is $274.00

A full lift is about $450.00.

My last period between bottom paintings was 7 years and it didn't need it. Looking forward from here and ignoring inflation, each time I would have to patch up my rusty keel would be an extra #176.00 plus yard extras plus finding a small amount of bottom paint and a few other plusses.

My planned life expectancy for my current bottom paint is 10 years. I only plan to pay for a full lift if work is required.

Given two new identical boats, one with lead and one with cast iron, I'd gladly pay the difference between the two metals for the lead keel.

 

[Davidasailor26]

Given deep pockets, yes.

A half lift every year is $274.00

View attachment 212708

A full lift is about $450.00.

My last period between bottom paintings was 7 years and it didn't need it. Looking forward from here and ignoring inflation, each time I would have to patch up my rusty keel would be an extra #176.00 plus yard extras plus finding a small amount of bottom paint and a few other plusses.

My planned life expectancy for my current bottom paint is 10 years. I only plan to pay for a full lift if work is required.

Given two new identical boats, one with lead and one with cast iron, I'd gladly pay the difference between the two metals for the lead keel.

Fair enough. Around these parts seasonal hauling for winter is common anyway and included in annual marina contracts, so no additional cost for an out-of-cycle haulout for the keel.

 

[Ralph Johnstone]

Around these parts seasonal hauling for winter is common anyway and included in annual marina contracts,

I guess annual full haulouts aren't so bad if you're forced into it.

If I can weasel out of it, I will. Actually, I've got to. Annual 2023 dock contract will be in the mail in the next few weeks and they will top $9K CAN for a 31 footer. It's a case of being known as a cheapskate or a bank robber to survive.

 

[artboas]

Greetings, all.

Does anyone know if the Hunter 41ac’s keel is fiberglass/gel coat covered? We just purchased one. The survey describes ”gelcoat abrasions and nicks” on the keel. The keel is lead right? Would Hunter cover that with fiberglass and gelcoat?

I suppose we’ll know when we haul her next, but it would be nice to make some plans for the haul out.

There are 2 ways to find out if your keel is lead or cast iron

1. get a 1” auger bit, and drill about 3” deep into the keel. Collect the shavings
Then, put into a high temperature crucible, and carefully monitor the melting temperatur

 

[artboas]

There are 2 ways to find out if your keel is lead or cast iron. Both are accurate, and highly recommended by professional shipwrights .

1. get a 1” auger bit, and drill about 3” deep into the keel. Collect the shavings. You should get at least 400g for a good sample.

Then, put into a high temperature gas-fired crucible, and carefully monitor the melting temperature. Make sure to skim off the slag continuously. You’ll need proper protective gear, along with a visor., Also, ventilate the room well
Lead melts at 327.5 degrees C, whereas lead is considerably higher.

or
2. Go to a dollar store and get a magnet.

 

[artboas]

Sorry,
Meant iron melts higher
wanted to ensure accuracy

 

[Ralph Johnstone]

1. get a 1” auger bit, and drill about 3” deep into the keel. Collect the shavings
Then, put into a high temperature crucible, and carefully monitor the melting temperatur

I wish you'd posted your second recommendation a little sooner. I was getting all geared up to start boring a hole through the keel AND I'M STILL IN THE WATER !

 

[jssailem]

I'M STILL IN THE WATER !

Then drilling holes in the keel is not a best business practice.
Carry on.

 

[artboas]

Drains the bilge. Keep going…

 

[JamesG161]

Try a MAGNET!!!!
Jim...

PS: Works under water too.

 

[Ralph Johnstone]

PS: Works under water too.

Another too little too late answer.

Drains the bilge. Keep going…

I'ma thinking that would be a reverse drain.

Is winter over yet ?