Keel Damage

[Windwalker44]

Attachment 126599Last Fall on my last cruise of the season I was motoring into Gosport Harbour at the Isle of Shoals to pick up a mooring and slowly nudged a rock submerged about 5 feet with my 5'6" keel. I backed away and knew I had a ding but saw no further damage when we pulled out.
Now I'm preparing to launch and have exposed lead to deal with. Do I need to treat/seal/cover with anything prior to painting with the usual bottom paint ?

[ontherocks83]

Is it lead or steel?

[GordMay]

According to Richard Jordan:
“... before 1978 approximately, they used iron ballast and afterwards lead ballast both encapsulated...”
➥ Gulfstar 44 Review: One of the Best Designs Ever - Waves « Jordan Yacht Brokerage

According to sailboatdata.com, the 44 was first built in 1978, and had lead ballast.
➥ GULFSTAR 44 sailboat specifications and details on sailboatdata.com

The “encapsulation” is essentially part of the hull, so will have to be repaired as would any other breach.