I've inherited a Venture 21 but I need some advice

[Jane Wright]

I believe the Venture is a 1972 model, the keel is in need of repair or replacement, and the support beam (that goes from the front of the trailer to the bow of the boat to hold it on the trailer) is rusted at the front v-shape at the base of the trailer. I can't remove the boat from the trailer, and I don't know how to weld! Any advise on repairing a keel - where do I begin to get help, average cost?, and trailer advice needed as I want to move the boat to my backyard to begin to restore it.

 

[Art Tirrell]

I did keel job

I recently bought a 1974 V-21. I have the keel out of the boat now and have just finished re-doing it. I'd be glad to share the photos and talk about how I accomplished the work. Respond at art.tirrell@verizon.net

 

[Doug Rodrigues]

Can't weld rust.

Stop by a welding supply shop and purchase a slag axe. It's cheap, sells for about $8. It has a pick end, and a chisel end. You use it like a hammer. You should wear goggles. Using the pick end, chip at the rust on various areas on your trailer. The rust will flake-off in layers. If you are able to punch all the way through the metal beams without reaching good steel, the trailer is trash. Otherwise, you can chip most of he rust away, leaving a pitted but firm metal surface that can be repainted with rust resistant paint.