Got the Mac V 22 in the back lane for a power wash and re-paint of the deck. While crawling underneath the boat (and trailer) I noticed that the covering on the keel was split. From previous info on this forum, I understand that the keel is a 600 lb (+/-) cast iron piece that is wraped in fibreglass (assumption #1). I do not know how long this split has been there or if its a new occurance. The boat was new to me three years ago and I did not catch that split during the initial inspection. The split is 8 to 10 inches long at the mid way of the length of the keel - on the leading edge of the keel. As it's the last week of June now - I really do not want to miss this sailing season (very short up here). Question: Is this a serious (safety) issue ie: is it an immediate concern oran I complete the sailing season and deal with this in October when I pull the boat? Thanks Richard
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Split? We don't need no stinking split!
Mine HAS no fiberglass left on it at all. It's a V-21 and I reckon I'll be dropping the keel to relaminate it this Winter.
Mine HAS no fiberglass left on it at all. It's a V-21 and I reckon I'll be dropping the keel to relaminate it this Winter.
I would
If it was me, I'd keep sailing and fix it later. It might get worse, but the damage is already done. Do you keep it on the trailer? Maybe you can spray some oil in the crack before and after each use to retard the rusting. Probably wont help, but would it hurt?
If it was me, I'd keep sailing and fix it later. It might get worse, but the damage is already done. Do you keep it on the trailer? Maybe you can spray some oil in the crack before and after each use to retard the rusting. Probably wont help, but would it hurt?
You could
pull at the split and see if the glass comes off. I redid my whole keel when i first got the boat, and even refiberglassed it. If I ever have to do it again i will just pull the glass off and clean the rust then just epoxy over the iron. I wont put the glass covering on again. It isnt really needed. for now it should not hamper your sailing any.
pull at the split and see if the glass comes off. I redid my whole keel when i first got the boat, and even refiberglassed it. If I ever have to do it again i will just pull the glass off and clean the rust then just epoxy over the iron. I wont put the glass covering on again. It isnt really needed. for now it should not hamper your sailing any.
Why should I Re-Glass it? - Good question
You raise a great point - I just assumed that I would have to re apply fibreglass to the keel once I decided to pull off the old cracked stuff - BUT why should I assume tha? If I wait till this fall, strip the old fibreglass wrap off the keel, power wash the iron core and then coat it with Polyuerthane / epoxy / tremclad / powder coat / whatever - it should be better than the fibreglass wrap process, correct? Richard
You raise a great point - I just assumed that I would have to re apply fibreglass to the keel once I decided to pull off the old cracked stuff - BUT why should I assume tha? If I wait till this fall, strip the old fibreglass wrap off the keel, power wash the iron core and then coat it with Polyuerthane / epoxy / tremclad / powder coat / whatever - it should be better than the fibreglass wrap process, correct? Richard
Get it done without dropping the keel
This will likely require me to remove the keel - clean (blast) it and coat it and replace it. At 600 lbs of iron, it may be a good job for the marina during winter. R
This will likely require me to remove the keel - clean (blast) it and coat it and replace it. At 600 lbs of iron, it may be a good job for the marina during winter. R
I did mine myself
and will do it again myself when the time comes. I just built a cradle to hold the boat up as i pulled the trailer out from under her! used 4X4s, then with a jack, lowered the keel, but made a jig that held the keel in the upright position and in a position to simply jack it back in and the pivot hole would be in place! It worked great and the pivot hole missed by only 1/4 inch when raised back! I just took a crow bar and nudged it forward alittle and it was in!
and will do it again myself when the time comes. I just built a cradle to hold the boat up as i pulled the trailer out from under her! used 4X4s, then with a jack, lowered the keel, but made a jig that held the keel in the upright position and in a position to simply jack it back in and the pivot hole would be in place! It worked great and the pivot hole missed by only 1/4 inch when raised back! I just took a crow bar and nudged it forward alittle and it was in!
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