We have a Moorings 445 which is the charter version of the Oceanis 440. We would like to epoxy the iron keel this summer. Would this be a good idea or should it be fiberglassed in? Any info re iron keels would be very appreciated. Thanks.
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Bright Metal
I've been reading your post for several days and intending to dig into my literature to find an answer but I keep runing out of time. The major boat paint/chemical companies (Interlux and the company that makes Pettit: www.pettitpaint.com) both have literature about how to finish iron keels. Basically it involves taking the existing finishes off and taking the metal down to "bright metal" or "bright white"; forgot the exact terms. Anyway, it'll take a grinder to clean up the surface. The finish that goes on, which is a metal primer, has to be applied within a very short time, say, 10-15 minutes but certainly less than an hour. From there a number of barrier coats get applied and then finally the bottom paint. If you're a stickler for details a fairing compound will most likely be needed to smooth the surface. A recommendation would be to stick with all one product brand and write down what was done in the ships log. If the dealer in your area doesn't seem that helpful consider contacting the manufacturers rep for info too. What ever product line is used, get all the most detailed manufacturers literature available to ensure the prep work is according to requirements. Save the literature with the ships papers for future reference. The West Adviser is another help area, www.westmarine.com, but it is fairly general. Once this coat is on then, consult
I've been reading your post for several days and intending to dig into my literature to find an answer but I keep runing out of time. The major boat paint/chemical companies (Interlux and the company that makes Pettit: www.pettitpaint.com) both have literature about how to finish iron keels. Basically it involves taking the existing finishes off and taking the metal down to "bright metal" or "bright white"; forgot the exact terms. Anyway, it'll take a grinder to clean up the surface. The finish that goes on, which is a metal primer, has to be applied within a very short time, say, 10-15 minutes but certainly less than an hour. From there a number of barrier coats get applied and then finally the bottom paint. If you're a stickler for details a fairing compound will most likely be needed to smooth the surface. A recommendation would be to stick with all one product brand and write down what was done in the ships log. If the dealer in your area doesn't seem that helpful consider contacting the manufacturers rep for info too. What ever product line is used, get all the most detailed manufacturers literature available to ensure the prep work is according to requirements. Save the literature with the ships papers for future reference. The West Adviser is another help area, www.westmarine.com, but it is fairly general. Once this coat is on then, consult
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