Keel Rust

[redheads]

I am about to put my boat back into the water from Winter dry dock. The keel has rust on it coming out from under the Bottom Paint. We use VC 17m paint and the rest of the bottom is fine. If I sand down the problem area's is there something that I should put on the area's before the paint.Thanks Redheads

 

[Ben L]

just did it

Interlux Interprtect 2000E - just did it this morning to my 1992 33.5 - grind down rust areas and apply - its a 2 part epoxy system - 2 cans sold together - very easy to use - after cured apply bottom paint as normal. good luck

 

[Warren Milberg]

You've got a number

of relatively easy fixes. I don't think that maintaining an iron keel is a big deal, unless you let the problem get away from you. In your case, it seems that you've got a few rust bleed-through spots that are easy to deal with. In addition to using the Interlux product described below, you could use POR-15 instead. I bought a kit containing a small can of POR-15, some metal prep washes to be used before using the POR-15, gloves, brushes, etc. all for about $30 or so. That has stopped the rust in the spots I applied it. Other minimalist alternatives would be to buy some zinc chromate paint (the yellow stuff) from our local Home Depot or similar store and use that instead.

 

[Gil C. - the Wanderin' One]

Continuing problem

Rust has been a continuing problem on my '86 H31. I have used epoxy, which peels off when rust pops out, and zinc chromate which was almost no help, Interlux 360R underwater metal primer with moderate success. Last year I used Rust Bullet which held up very well so far, but it's only one season. Have used POR in the past on above water projects with good success but haven't used it on by boat. At this time my vote goes to Rust Bullet. If you choose to use it, I suggest you get it from the company web site, not E-Bay. Good Luck.