Venture 21 swing keel rebuild

[aschowin]

I have removed my keel but all that remains is a steel plate with additional steel plates welded on either side. The leading edge used to have some epoxy and fiber glass on it but now there is only steel. What should I do to rebuild this? I am planning to replace the leading edge with Marine Tek and then build up the balance with body putty and/or fiberglass. Should I cover the rest with a thin coat of Marine Tek or what or nothing. How wide should the keel be and how much space should there be around the keel when it is in the storage well?

 

[novelman17128]

swing keel

What is the existing weight of the keel? If it was me I would shoot for a 500# to 600# keel to give me a more stable boat in a blow. My Venture 22', 1971 has a 550# keel and if I ever had to work on it I would make it a 600# to 650# keel by attaching lead to it. At this time my boat is "tender" and requires that I reef the main or drop the jib for any winds in excess of 12-15 knots, if I want to have full control. But, it's up to you and the winds in your sailing area. I sail out of Long Beach, and Ventura to the offshore islands.Good luck,Novelman