Just pulled her out for bottom paint. I have a crack at the forward and after end of the keel joint. I have read several posts about this problem -- using 3M 5200 to repair after grinding out the seam. However, the yard is talking about using an epoxy compound (brittle?) and re-torquing the keel bolts. What is the consenus?
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They want your money.
Most of the advice here is correct. Just clean out the joint, I removed the rust with muriatic acid and filled with SitkaFlex. (same as 5200) Sixteen years later it's still perfect. Cost about $1.00. For those dings on the keel, just fill them with Bondo. Quick, easy and permanent. Or you could mix up epoxy. Hopefully your yard lets you do your own work. And be sure that your lightening ground is not compromised by sealing the keel. Trust me. Experience, and not a good one.
Most of the advice here is correct. Just clean out the joint, I removed the rust with muriatic acid and filled with SitkaFlex. (same as 5200) Sixteen years later it's still perfect. Cost about $1.00. For those dings on the keel, just fill them with Bondo. Quick, easy and permanent. Or you could mix up epoxy. Hopefully your yard lets you do your own work. And be sure that your lightening ground is not compromised by sealing the keel. Trust me. Experience, and not a good one.
Catalina Smile
Pat, many older Catalinas have this 'crack' with no adverse effects. Like osmatic blisters that yards make millions on, and no factual case of a boat sinking from blisters reported to date. I have seen bondo used mucho for this kind of work, and seen it years later holding up. Epoxy with micro baloon, or 'Redhand' or one of those products are fine, but Fred is right, 5200, and bondo will do just fine if it is non-structural, sticking, water-proofing, and fairing. If the keel bolts need it, then re-torque to specs before your 5200 cures completely.
Pat, many older Catalinas have this 'crack' with no adverse effects. Like osmatic blisters that yards make millions on, and no factual case of a boat sinking from blisters reported to date. I have seen bondo used mucho for this kind of work, and seen it years later holding up. Epoxy with micro baloon, or 'Redhand' or one of those products are fine, but Fred is right, 5200, and bondo will do just fine if it is non-structural, sticking, water-proofing, and fairing. If the keel bolts need it, then re-torque to specs before your 5200 cures completely.
Seam Seal Worked for me
I took the advice of the person that surveyed my Catalina 27 when I bought it, he suggested I clean up the "smile" a bit and lay in a thin coat of "Seam Seal" (purchased at WM) I completed the repair, the stuff doesn't really dry hard, then I gave a re-coat of bottom paint(to the area). That was 4 years ago, I just re-did the job this year. My 2bits.
I took the advice of the person that surveyed my Catalina 27 when I bought it, he suggested I clean up the "smile" a bit and lay in a thin coat of "Seam Seal" (purchased at WM) I completed the repair, the stuff doesn't really dry hard, then I gave a re-coat of bottom paint(to the area). That was 4 years ago, I just re-did the job this year. My 2bits.
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