Keel leak

[ells]

I have two O'Days a 19' and a 22'. The 19' has a leak in the keel that I have been able to stop temporairly with marine silicone. Does anyone know of a filler and sealer that would stop the leak? I was thinking of "Great Stuff" but I am not sure of it's sealing capabilities. My other thought is to cut the fiberglass away where the retainer screws and bolts are that hold the keel in place are and dump a bunch of epoxy in the void. If anyone has any experience with this I would appreciate some direction.

Comparing the two boats is quite interesting. The 19' is faster and more responsive with a 25' mast. The cockpit area is large enough to hold six people, the cabin is on the small side. The 22' is more stable but under strong winds I have to let the main out in order for the rudder to be effective. The boat has more room and the cabin is spacious enough for two to sit in while sailing. The mast is 22'6 on that one.

Ells

 

[kpgraci]

I would first say you should fix the leak properly, not just a patch. I'm not too clear on where the leak is actually located, but if its through the hull then grinding out the bad (damaged/delaminated) and rebuilding with fiberglass sounds like what is needed. If the affected area is related to structurally maintaining the keel attached to the boat then even more so.

Before you pour epoxy into any voids they must be dry, which means you need to open then up and let them dry for at least days, maybe weeks.

When I bought my Oday 22 I got a copy of Don Casey's This Old Boat. Its packed with useful information on boat repair, and while his writing style is a bit long winded for me, most people like it.

To change the subject, you said:

The 22' is more stable but under strong winds I have to let the main out in order for the rudder to be effective.

I just got an ODay 22 and am learning to sail it. So would you say in high winds the 22 sails better with jib alone?

 

[ells]

I would first say you should fix the leak properly, not just a patch. I'm not too clear on where the leak is actually located, but if its through the hull then grinding out the bad (damaged/delaminated) and rebuilding with fiberglass sounds like what is needed. If the affected area is related to structurally maintaining the keel attached to the boat then even more so.

Before you pour epoxy into any voids they must be dry, which means you need to open then up and let them dry for at least days, maybe weeks.

When I bought my Oday 22 I got a copy of Don Casey's This Old Boat. Its packed with useful information on boat repair, and while his writing style is a bit long winded for me, most people like it.

To change the subject, you said:



I just got an ODay 22 and am learning to sail it. So would you say in high winds the 22 sails better with jib alone?

Actually that was the first time I had my 22 out in high winds, (higher than my first one and only mate cared for, I have to keep her in mind). I would not take the main down unless it was a real severe wind but I found in high winds I had to rely on the jib more than when sailing my 19 ODay. I do have a storm jib that came with the boat for very hard winds, (just to make it back to port).
Thanks for the tips on the keel repair. The swing keel is not actually attached to the boat, it just pivots on a plastic cylinder that is held up by blocks that are held up by ss brackets which are held by the screws that I think the water is getting in around. This is a picture of what I just described. "This Old Boat" sounds like a good addition to my library.

Thanks,

Ells

 

[kpgraci]

held up by ss brackets which are held by the screws that I think the water is getting in around.

Not too familiar with swing keels. If its really just the screws leaking I would:

1. Remove and inspect the screws for corrosion, replace if pitted or otherwise damaged.

2. Inspect the hole they came out of for damage/widening. I'm not sure the best technique for repairing same but I do know there are ways to to do it. Google is your friend here. Probably involves boring out the holes and re-seating them, or if possible going to oversized replacement screws.

3. Once repairs are done or if inspection indicates tolerances are at or near original design specs, I would think silicon sealant lightly coated on the screws prior to installation would be a good idea.

Again, this is just from my general knowledge of fixing things over the years, and not based on any special knowledge about boat repair.

It appears from your photo that you have easy access to the area, so these repairs should really be no big deal. My only concern is that because forces acting on the keel underway are great you want to be sure the repairs you do are up to the task, i.e., no shortcuts in technique or material quality. For example, I would use hardened steel screws, ask the hardware guy, he'll know. Most common nuts, bolts and screws are not designed to be tortured over and over again without the risk of failure.

I always get a great deal of satisfaction from a well done repair. Do it right now and you can have confidence in it for many years to come.