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Catalina/Capri 25/250 Sailor's Forums

Catalina 25 Specific Forum

Keel repair

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Initially Posted - 03/08/2004 : 12:19:55

We have a 1989 Catilina 25 with a wing keel. I noticed this fall, after the boat was on stands some cracks in the material covering the keel. The cracks are about 6-8" long both horizontal and vertical meeting at the bottom.(shaped as a backward L)My question is how do I repair? I am assuming cut material and remove until I am back to solid material. Not sure what compound to use to repair. The catalina direct tech was not very helpful. Thanks in advance to anyone with good easy advice.

To all who responded, thank you! A few questions to answer! The cracks definitely are past the bottom paint. I can pry material away from the keel with screwdriver. Have not yet pulled to see extent of the damage. Figured research first before I start ripping. I thought the keel was coated with fiberglass but someone mentioned it might be something else. Do not believe we ran aground but have anchored for a few overnights where depth is close. We sail on the Hudson river where last season saw much debris floating. The boat is on stands with some weight on keel, not dangling. Hauled and set up by marina. Not sure if damage happened during season or haul out. Lesson to be learned...that is why people are present for haul out, we have become comfortable with owner and were not present this fall. Cracks are at the bottom of wing and start up keel, not near hull or bottom of the boat. Have painted bottom last 2 seasons and cracks were not present. next move is to cut loose material and see extent of damage. Big question is which material is best for repair?

Edited by - n/a on 03/08/2004 18:07:46

svmoxie
Past Commodore

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331 Posts

Response Posted - 03/08/2004 : 13:30:02

Any chance for some photos? What is the material covering the keel? Is it wrapped with FBG or just painted? Are the cracks forming at the hull to keel joint or the fin to wing joint on the keel? Is some of the weight of the boat on the keel or is it just hanging? Any history of a grounding that may have caused it?

Depending on the material and the root cause, the repair is as you think, grind to solid then fill and fair. Depending on the material you could use epoxy with filler material or someting like watertite bond from Interlux. Sounds like a good job for a dremel tool.

Edited by - on

Steve Milby
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Response Posted - 03/08/2004 : 14:10:04

Before you do anything, you should determine <u>what</u> is cracked. It could be that the build-up of many layers of old bottom paint have cracked, but the fiberglass beneath the paint is solid. If so, then you should strip off the old bottom paint and apply fresh bottom paint.

I suggest you get some paint stripper that is expressly designed to be used on fiberglass, and strip off the keel paint. (You might as well strip the whole keel while you're at it.) If the crack doesn't penetrate into the fiberglass, then all you have to do is repaint the keel. (If you find that it is only the paint that has cracked, you should consider stripping and repainting the rest of the bottom next year.) When you use strippers, you should wear a good respirator, goggles, rubber gloves and a long-sleeved shirt.

If the fiberglass under the paint is cracked, then you should do as the others suggested, above. Because your boat is a 1989, with a lead-encased fiberglass keel, instead of the old cast iron keel, I'd bet it's just the old bottom paint that is cracked.