keel problems??

[Dragon Fly]

hey, you guys,
its a newport 30' 1979; has a crack or line, starboard side of keel, maybe 12 inches and horozontal to ground, about half way down the keel,, and... stain lines leaking down, look every bit like rust stains to me.
I believe the keel is lead?
in main cabin, opening the bilge , which is very oily,
i cannot see any keel bolts ! Could they be rusting? where are they? is the crack a non-issue to just epoxy and bottom paint over or??? a serious issue?
I am considering purchasing this boat, which otherwise i like well enough to make an offer. your help/reply is greatly anticipated/appreciated/welcome
come one come all!
steve.

 

[Tom Spohn]

I don't know for sure, but the rust may be from and encapsulated iron keel. If the coating is cracked it must be removed professionally and re-coated. Is the oil in the bilge from the engine? I would want to know for sure. The bolts should be in the bilge somewhere and should not be rusted.

 

[Tim Huss]

get a good size earth magnet and you should be able to determine if it is lead or steel

 

[Dragon Fly]

I don't know for sure, but the rust may be from and encapsulated iron keel. If the coating is cracked it must be removed professionally and re-coated. Is the oil in the bilge from the engine? I would want to know for sure. The bolts should be in the bilge somewhere and should not be rusted.

PROBABLY.. oil is a spill from the past, when engine was repowered. new engine clean,dry only 200 odd hours on her.
KEEL BOLTS: encapulselated,.. can't see them. don't know if they are rusting or not.
newport 1979, came with a lead keel according to capital yachts specs.
so... send me an email address & i'll send pics of the keel close up.
and... don't know what to do to correct this...?
big job, or a non-issue?

 

[Dragon Fly]

lead keel in all probably for this vintage boat. capital yachts inc. california.