Water leaking from keel join

[Andrew]

I own a Catalina 27 (1975), during the purchase survey last year the surveyor found water where the lead keel joins the boat. This year we noticed water leaking from the line where the keel meets the bottom of the boat. We drilled a couple of small holes at this line and a couple of gallons of water drained out.Our plan was to simply let this area drain and dry, then seal the holes and do a solid patch all around the line where the keel joins.Does anyone recommend further action such as; filling the cavity?Is the leak most likely comming from the keel junction or could it come from elsewhere.The tops of the keel bolts look fine.Many thanks for any help.Andrew

 

[Douglas G Young]

Perfectly Normal

My expeiance is that the seep is a normal condition comon to the 25 fin keel and the 27. I have seen it on every boat ive seen out of the water. The keel is encased in a fiberglass housing. Where the keel joins to the hull a crack or seem opens up with age. Yes you can dry it out and use a fill compound. Two part epoxie fairing material should do well. Dont be surprised if it comes back though.