Keel Damage

[Rasselas36]

It has been 4 years since my last haulout and bottom paint. Today I was hauled out and shocked to see all the pot holes and damage to my keel. Looking for help identifying the culprit.

 

[Don S/V ILLusion]

Four years is a long time. Hard to tell from pictures - Barnacle remnants after power washing?

 

[Davidasailor26]

It happens. From the lack of rust I’d assume it’s a lead keel. Impurities in the lead and imperfect adhesion of the coating can lead to that kind of look. You’ll need to remove any other loose paint, sand or grind it all to shiny metal, then quickly apply a primer, followed by paint. Use significant PPE when working with the lead.

 

[Rasselas36]

It happens. From the lack of rust I’d assume it’s a lead keel. Impurities in the lead and imperfect adhesion of the coating can lead to that kind of look. You’ll need to remove any other loose paint, sand or grind it all to shiny metal, then quickly apply a primer, followed by paint. Use significant PPE when working with the lead.

Yes it is a lead keel. Thanks for the reply.

 

[sail sfbay]

Sand, apply new barrier coating and antifouling paint.

 

[Capt Robbie]

look like bad electrolysis what condition are your zincs?

 

[Crusty Ol Salt]

look like bad electrolysis what condition are your zincs?

Ditto

 

[SEMPERAVANTI41]

My cast iron keel looked pretty bad when I bought my boat. After sand blasting and primer it looks like new.

 

[JamesG161]

look like bad electrolysis what condition are your zincs?

Lead Keels are so massive no Zinc can protect them.

His Keel looks ok to me. Need a Epoxy Barrier coat and Paint for no Galvanic action
Jim...

 

[JamesG161]

This is my before Epoxy Coated Keel


This is the after Epoxy Barrier and 2 coats of Slime Resistant Paint.


Note: when they move the boat again they will paint and do the fix on the bottom of it.
Jim...

 

[jssailem]

4 years in the warm waters of FL, your bound to get some growth and paint loss. I suspect a good sanding or blasting will clean up the rough bits and paint as suggested by @JamesG161 will get your girl feeling new and ready again for the water.