On another note, the yard has blocks under the front and back of the keel which prevents my centerboard from dropping down for repair. Would it be safe to jack up the boat below the trunk just enough to slide the blocks forward? In other words, is the trunk/keel side strong enough to support the weight?
My yard uses cradles. When I had my O 25, they always blocked it to prevent removal of the keel. They didn't want the blocks far enough forward and aft to allow CB removal.
If I wanted the keel out I needed to let them know when they pulled the boat and they dropped it. Then they put it back when the boat was slung for spring splash.
I was under the impression that keels were always encapsulated in fiberglass. Good to know. I'll be sure to pickup a better breathing mask.
Talking about the O 25, you are correct. The shell of the trunk was formed, then slabs of lead were laid in place on edge. Then they filled the trunk with epoxy (or vinyl polyester, whatever the boat was laid up with).
A few years back someone directed their O 25 and posted the pics. Their gone now, wish I'd saved them.
I've read of water intrusion into the trunk causing swelling. This sounds like what happened to you.
There are no keel bolts so look for a crack in the bilge area or inside the CB slot in the trunk. Maybe in the area where the pendant comes down for the CB.