Underwater emergency grp repair

[svjoyeux]

We lost focus yesterday and kissed a rock at the forward part of the keel. The damage is thru the barrier and into the grp. I can see the mat for about 14". Can I cover the glass mat with an underwater epoxy or do I need to haul out immediately? I need to travel at least 1day to get to a yard. We do not have keel bolts and there appears to be no more damage other than some scratches down to barrier coat.

Rob
Joyeux
Southern Sardinia

[DeepFrz]

If you are not taking on water then just sail to a haul out yard and work on the problem on the hard. The area around the scratch may need a little drying out but if you use underwater epoxy you will have to grind it all out anyway.

[KJB]

Google "Splash Zone". It has been used successfully for such things.

[newhaul]

Second if no water ingress go to haulout facility and let the damage dry and then repair it as needed.

[Captsteve53]

Yes, under water epoxy will work just fine until you desire to do a scheduled lift out. either way it will need drying and grinding preparation to repair in the correct manor,

Have done numerous repairs under water that stayed there until the end of the sailing season

Cheers Steve

[SecondBase]

Problems at sea usually occur incrementally -- a small problem grows step by step. Before you leave for another marina figure out a "kit" in case the issue worsens underway. That might include canvas, precut thin plywood and other goodies the forum can suggest.

You must be prepared for it to get worse, underway, and self-resolve the issue. If waiting a couple days meant you could buddy boat on the trip it would be well worth waiting IMO.

[Cadence]

Originally Posted by DeepFrz

If you are not taking on water then just sail to a haul out yard and work on the problem on the hard. The area around the scratch may need a little drying out but if you use underwater epoxy you will have to grind it all out anyway.

[ramblinrod]

Sounds like you have an encapsulated keel.

If so, the GRP is likely 1.5" + thick on the bottom of the keel.

This is not likely an emergency.

If the gouge is even through 3 layers of glass, you likely have at least 10 more.

If it is chopper gun construction , you likely have even more thickness.

If not taking on water, I would check it next regular haul out at an inexpensive or DIY yard.

If you haul out in a cold climate, I recommend it be properly repaired before freeze up.

This is a situation where encapsulated keels (especially full) really shine. I have pulled several boats of rocks, and encapsulated keels rarely suffer serious damage.

GRP repairs represent about 30% of our business.

A little glass and fresh barrier coat when you get to it, and good to go.