keel and hole repair

[ktgraf]

I recently acquired a buccaneer sailboat and the bottom of the keel is all torn up. From the side it looks ok (no missing chunks) but from the bottom you can see areas where the fiberglass is worn down all the way to what appears to be a heavy fiberglass fabric. Some areas I can stick my finger in and feel the foam that is between the lead ballast and outer fiberglass shell. There are also 1/4 inch holes drilled in the side of the keel which were done to allow oil seep out.

Looking for suggestions regarding how to build the bottom of this keel back up (techniques, how many layers of fiberglass, etc.)

 

[fuzzeywiggler]

Re: keel and hole repair

For thickness-1mm = 1 layer of material , If your hull is 7mm thick put 7 layers of cloth on as a repair.

I recently had to patch a hole and repair my keel, start with the main hole untell you are familiar with fiberglassing The keel will take many layers so be paitent, put a few layers grind/shape a little then continue layering it up.
Search "hole, repair" and read up there are quite a few repairs like this that were made recently.

Also get us some pics

Fuzzey

 

[ktgraf]

Re: keel and hole repair

 

[ondarvr]

Re: keel and hole repair

Looks like it's been there for a long time.

You can easily do the repair yourself. Get a grinder, use 36 grit and grind the area several inches larger than the hole, taper the area out away from the hole so you end up with less of a hump when you're done.

Since this spot appears to drag on the bottom at times, I'd build it up thicker than it was before. you'll be able to see the original thickness when you grind it.

 

[ktgraf]

Re: keel and hole repair

I've got some voids that I would rather fill than build up w layers of fiberglass. Is there anything wrong with using bondo (or a bondo-like filler for marine applications) to fill these areas?

 

[gcboat]

Re: keel and hole repair

Whatever spots you're talking about I sure hope it ain't going to be used in those pics for repair. Yikes! What a mess.
I'd definately stay with ondarvr's plan of attack. Please also remember that all of that must be completely dry before you will be able to get a good bond to it. Poly or epoxy, makes no difference - needs to be dry.
Have fun !!!!

 

[fuzzeywiggler]

Re: keel and hole repair

Since this spot appears to drag on the bottom at times, I'd build it up thicker than it was before. you'll be able to see the original thickness when you grind it.

That looks like some weathered F/G for sure, I thought that you should always make a repair the same thickness as the surrounding area so it dosen't stress other areas...Or does it make a difference?

Fuzzey

 

[ondarvr]

Re: keel and hole repair

At times matching the thickness can be of some importance, but most of the time it's not a big issue, in this case it will help a great deal for it to be thicker.

There are some fillers that can be used, but most aren't all that strong and if the repair is very big there should be glass over the top of it anyway. The damaged areas in the pics need to be repaired with glass.

 

[fixb52s]

Re: keel and hole repair

Bondo sucks water and really has no structure. Fiberglass is your best bet for repairs.​