Keel question, rust at the keel/hull joint

[Craig Cook]

We are looking at a '84 h25.5 that is currently in storage. This is the fin keel model, not shoal draft. There appears to be a fair amount of rust at the keel/hull joint right in the middle, some of the fairing compound will need to be replaced as well. It looks like there is a steel bracket just below what would be the surface. Coincidently there is another 25.5 right next to this one with the same symptoms.It almost appears that there is a bit of movement at this joint, perhaps from loose keel boats?? Can anyone give me any details on this problem??

 

[UnderDog]

Mine too

I've got a small bit of rust at that joint also. The bolts themselves seem tight and its never been a problem. I have scraped, sanded, marine-texed, and painted around the few 'bad' spots, and haven't really worried about it. Someone else in my marina with a similar boat said not to worry about it also.But having said all that, you may want to have the boat surveyed to get an expert opinion as they can also look for soft glass, wood rot, blistering, etc. and give you a fair analysis of potential future expenses you may be in for.By the way, the 25.5 fin keel design is a great boat!

 

[Bill18593]

Let it rust, let it rust, let it rust....

If there is concern about the rust, there is an easy way to manage it. Sand to bright metal, prime and then put on 4 - 6 coats of Interlux Interprotect 2000. Paint with your favorite bottom paint.Or....Remove the loose flaking paint and material, sand the rusty spots and slap a little bottom paint on. If the keel continues to rust at its current rate, the rest of the boat will be reduced to powder before enough of the keel rusts away to make any difference. (I've got a 25.5 shoal keel)

 

[Craig Cook]

This is keel metal not mounting metal?

I was concerend that what I was looking at is part of the mounting system of the keel, not keel metal itself. I spent two weeks sanding the iron keel of our old C25 and have used Interlux products.