Rusted keel piviot bolt

[BruceH]

I purchased a project boat (Venture 21), and the keel was in horrible shape. The piviot bolt was just mild steel and appears to be rusted solid to the keel. To make matters worse it is twisted off so all I have is a shank going through the keel and I don't know what to do. I can raise and lower the keel without any problem, however I need to refinish the keel, the fiberglass was a mess and I have about half of it off. I am thinking about wire brushing or sandblasting the metal core and just painting it while on the boat and just leaving it at that. Does anyone have any ideas?

 

[Steve Paul]

Gonna take some effort

I think you need to remove the keel, chip, grind, wire brush down to good metal. Prime and epoxy paint. Before you do this, drill out the bad keel boat and replace with a good stainless version. My reasoning is the bolt could break off on the remaining side and then you'll likely lose your keel. Sounds like a good Fall - WInter project, then you can relax.Neighbor and I are doing exactly that to a Helms 25 next week.Steve P.