Keel problem???

[Lyn]

The lead on my keel (shoal draft)is chipping away. After grinding away some bubbles and glass cracks I find chunks of lead on the keel coming off. There is rust as well. Can anyone shed some light on the problem and the best way to fix it? There are approximately 4 chunks the size and depth of a half dollar that have fallen off, and only on the port side. Starboard side is fine.I do not believe the integrity of the keel is gone yet, but would appreciate some advice on the proper way to repair.

 

[David Foster]

Grind & Fill

I was hoping someone with more knowledge would answer.But small "dings" like this can happen for various reasons. I don't know where the rust comes from. But when I asked the advice of local experts, they just said grind down to bright metal, fill and fair with expoxy with a fiber thickener, and the paint over it.Mars Metal in Ontario (I think) make lead keels, and would probably give you expert advice if you want it.DavidLady Lillie

 

[Jim Rice]

Iron Slugs in the Lead

I have had most of the fiberglass sheathing come off the keel during 2 bouts of trying to strip the bottom. I found several rusty areas on the keel, the largest the size of a large drink bottle cap. The best guess is that the lead in the keel was "extended" with a few iron punchings. I dug them out with an old screwdriver and filled them with a thickened paste of epoxy. Then filled in a few more places and ground it as smooth as possible. Hope this helps.