How to patch keel before applying abalative paint?

[rfkneller]

Before I paint the hull of my 1986 O'Day 35 I have to do something about some gouges on the keel where the lead joins the fiberglass part of the hull. How should I patch those gouges?

[JPA Cate]

How did you get gouges there? crab pots? grounding?

Clean the area thoroughly. Epoxy and microballoons, cure, then sand smooth; then prime and let dry, then paint.

Ann

[roverhi]

If the gouges are in the lead, clean to bright metal and apply coat of epoxy or other sealant immediately. Lead develops an oxide that paint won't stick to real quick when exposed to air.

[rfkneller]

Originally Posted by Ann T. Cate

How did you get gouges there? crab pots? grounding?

Clean the area thoroughly. Epoxy and microballoons, cure, then sand smooth; then prime and let dry, then paint.

Ann

I scraped some submerged pilings.

[Dave Lochner]

Check the West System website. How To Use

One of the guides on this page will give detailed instructions.

[Scout 30]

You can also mix epoxy with fumed silica or Cabosil, wood flour or simply chop up some fiberglass & mix it for a structural repair. If you go with chopped up some fiberglass you still might want to add a little fumed silica to the mix. You want to end up with a peanut butter like consistency & really mix the epoxy well. When you think it's mixed enough mix it some more. A handy product that I've had good results is Fiber Glass Coatings Superbond Epoxy. It's already thickened & is easy to use.

https://www.fgci.com/bp_viewproduct....oldItem=135366

[Aaarrgh]

I was curious, also, but their site seems to be kinda' torn up right now.

[Upriver]

Just a point of information. I believe the keel in an O'Day 34 and 35 are iron. I have been looking a several and I believe that to be correct. When painting or sealing that could be an issue.