Does anyone have some experience in straightening a bent fin on Hunter keel. It is lead with some scrap iron mixed in with the lead. I have had a few suggestions from fellow sailors at my marina. I have even been told by one Hunter dealer to cut them off but I am concerned about a difference in performance. Any suggestions.
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This is what can happen if you leave the dock.....
Been there, done that, repaired it myself. Actually I've done this a couple of times. (Don't tell anyone, I'm still trying to perpetuate the illusion that I know where the water is deep) Get yourself some blocks of wood that will support the underside of the wing and a 2# sledge hammer. Eat your Wheaties and go at it. Don't be afraid to really lay into it, it will take quite a beating to get it back in shape. After you have it roughly in shape, fill any low spots with a thickened epoxy and sand smooth to fair the shape. You may want to drill some 1/4" holes into the area you are filling so the epoxy has some nooks to hook into. The only caution I can offer is to hammer the lead so that it resumes it's original shape in small steps. Don't try to whack it back in just a few hits or you may end up breaking off a piece. If you do break off some, just fill it with epoxy. The loss of even a few pounds of lead is not a big deal.
Been there, done that, repaired it myself. Actually I've done this a couple of times. (Don't tell anyone, I'm still trying to perpetuate the illusion that I know where the water is deep) Get yourself some blocks of wood that will support the underside of the wing and a 2# sledge hammer. Eat your Wheaties and go at it. Don't be afraid to really lay into it, it will take quite a beating to get it back in shape. After you have it roughly in shape, fill any low spots with a thickened epoxy and sand smooth to fair the shape. You may want to drill some 1/4" holes into the area you are filling so the epoxy has some nooks to hook into. The only caution I can offer is to hammer the lead so that it resumes it's original shape in small steps. Don't try to whack it back in just a few hits or you may end up breaking off a piece. If you do break off some, just fill it with epoxy. The loss of even a few pounds of lead is not a big deal.
Lead Impurities
I don't believe the lead keel is made with scrap iron in it. Its more likely impurities that accumulate when the lead is melted. Its appears like rust, dig it out and fill as above with epoxy mix.
I don't believe the lead keel is made with scrap iron in it. Its more likely impurities that accumulate when the lead is melted. Its appears like rust, dig it out and fill as above with epoxy mix.
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