Keel Damage 1986 Hunter 40 Legend

OZWILD

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Jun 17, 2015
1
Hunter 40 Annapolis
He All,
I have sustained some keel damage. I am not confident I know when it happened, but I suspect it was during multiple squall fronts one afternoon whilst at Dry Tortugas. Not a real issue when it happened. It's been that way for a couple of years and I haven't had any issues, but I want to repair it.
Given the Hunter has an iron keel, it should be a relatively easy repair, right?

The damage is basically where the shaded area on the keel below.

hunter_40_drawing edit.jpg


It's time for a full bottom job so it's a good time to do it. My basic plan is:
a) Square off the damaged part so a corresponding part can be fashioned to fit without too many angles
b) Make a template from the damaged area for marriage to the keel
c) Fashion the missing piece from iron
d) One or possibly 2 metal dowels to provide for a bit of extra strength between the keel and the new piece
e) prep and join with suitable material
f) Fair the added piece to suit shape at front of keel
g) Seal the two parts in readiness for anti fouling.


Question for the knowledgeable here:
1. With regards to c) above, what kind of material should I use? Iron I'm thinking, but what quality and where can I get it in Florida?
2. What procedure / bonding agent can be used for e)? Can it be welded?

I would appreciate any advice. Remember I'll be doing this myself, and am no expert.

That's enough for now, and thanks.
 
Oct 29, 2016
1,929
Hunter 41 DS Port Huron
First question I would have is, what is the material of the keel? I know you said iron, but are you sure, I know ours is lead and I believe that to be the case on Hunters produced before 2008, although I am not completely certain of that for all models. That would be the first thing, that determination will lead you down the path to the best corrective method of repair.