Where Can I Purchase a Replacement Keel

[Grateful Dad]

for a 1977 Hunter 27? Last season I noticed some leakage into the bildge when heeled pretty hard over. I suspect the leek is through the keel bolt holes so I am planning to drop the keel and re-seal the keel to hull joint. Since the keel is kind of rough (especially on the bottom), I am thinking about possibly replacing it. I've searched the web but not really found a place. I'm also thinking that due to the size and weight, the closer to CT the better. Any suggestions on where to find one? Also, what do you recommend for a joint sealing compound? Thanks

 

[cementhead]

27 Hunter Keel

Why not have the keel sandblasted? That would be a lot easies and cheaper and you could see what it really looks like and make some surface repairs if needed.Tom

 

[Jadedcrew]

Keel

Google 'Boat Keels' and check out the links.

 

[Ol Dave]

You can contact the manufacturer

Your keel and mine were made by Mars Metal in Canada. I found them when I had three keel bolts fail from anaerobic corrosion. I also had bolts that would continually "Weep" that were sound. It seems water had found it's way between the cabin sole and hull. After much bailing and cleaning I got it all out. One thing that helped was a siphon bulb from an outboard motor fuel line with a small PVC tube in the end. I could focus that in small wet places. The other fix was even simpler ... tighten the remaining keel bolts.Ol' Dave

 

[Grateful Dad]

Thanks for the info an the keel manufacturer.

I'll contact Mars Metal. I did have the keel (and the entire bottom) sandblasted. The bottom of the keel is pretty chewed up. I did some fairing with epoxy last year but I am thinking that if I am going to go through the time and expense of dropping the keel, I might want to replace it. At least now I have an idea of where to go for pricing. Any suggestions on what to use for a sealant between the keel and the hull?