Keel to Hull Joint Repair

[nautical62]

Just hauled my Hunter 30 and see that the hull to keel joint needs some attention. The forward part of the joint and keel bolts appear to be in fine shape, so I think it just needs some epoxy work on aft part of the joint itself. I'd appreciate advice from anyone who's done this.

Specifically, what kind of epoxy compound fillers do people recommend and what acids, etc can be used to remove/neutralize rust the grinder can't reach.

I plan do the the work after the boat has dried for 8 months.

Thanks for any advice.

- Dave

[capngeo]

Usually I use something flexible like 3M 5200 to caulk that joint. Ospho is good at converting rust.

[gonesail]

keels that are bolted on .. will flex .. so you can't put epoxy in there cause it will crack .. maybe the new flexible epoxy would work.

[nautical62]

I think the damage at the very tail edge needs some kind of flexible filler, not just 5200. I've done a fair bit with west system epoxy, but am not familiar with the more flexible compounds out there for jobs like this.

[GordMay]

Originally Posted by capngeo

Usually I use something flexible like 3M 5200 to caulk that joint. Ospho is good at converting rust.

INDEED.

Originally Posted by nautical62

I think the damage at the very tail edge needs some kind of flexible filler, not just 5200 ...

5200 IS a flexible adhesive caulk.
Do you mean something like a body filler, or bog?

[nautical62]

Originally Posted by GordMay

INDEED.

5200 IS a flexible adhesive caulk.
Do you mean something like a body filler, or bog?

- yes something like that. It needs more than just calking a joint. I'm familiar with 5200, but interested in what other fillers, epoxies, etc. might be appropriate.

[Seahunter]

The joint is NOT epoxied. Fin keel separation can be complicated and requires more than body work experience to repair. What may seem simple may be more complicated. Call an expert.
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[ncarter]

While you`re at it....You might consider a close examination of the keel bolts

[svHyLyte]

Keel "Smile" lines (at joints) are pretty common. Clean the smile line/joint out as well as possible and inject a flexible caulking compound and then ensure that your keel bolts are tight (contact Hunter for the torque spec's). It's not a big deal and very common place. If you have any misgivings about the keel bolts, replace them.

FWIW...

[GordMay]

Originally Posted by svHyLyte

Keel "Smile" lines (at joints) are pretty common. Clean the smile line/joint out as well as possible and inject a flexible caulking compound and then ensure that your keel bolts are tight (contact Hunter for the torque spec's). It's not a big deal and very common place. If you have any misgivings about the keel bolts, replace them.
FWIW...

INDEED! ✓

[capngeo]

Originally Posted by svHyLyte

Keel "Smile" lines (at joints) are pretty common. Clean the smile line/joint out as well as possible and inject a flexible caulking compound and then ensure that your keel bolts are tight (contact Hunter for the torque spec's). It's not a big deal and very common place. If you have any misgivings about the keel bolts, replace them.

FWIW...

Good luck with THAT job! Most I've ever seen are cast into the keel and are NOT replaceable!

To the OP: 5200 (or the equivalent) is what is commonly used. For the clients that want a "fair" joint, we always just under filled the joint with flexible 5200-like compound, then used West System to fair over it.... BUT in time, it still cracks!

[GordMay]

Originally Posted by capngeo

Good luck with THAT job! Most I've ever seen are cast into the keel and are NOT replaceable! ...

How to replace cast in keel bolts

➥ Projects: Below Deck: Replacing Keel Bolts | MadMariner.com

➥ http://www.marskeel.com/fckeditor/us...cement_pdf.pdf

[replusted]

There is always some movement between the hull and bolted on ballast. That's normal. Torque your keel bolts before you do anything else. Some boats have a keel bolt under the mast so you might want to investigate that issue for your boat. Use West System G/flex epoxy and multiple layers of fiberglass tape. G/flex is much more flexible than regular epoxy. After fiberglassing the joint, you can add fillers to G/flex to make it thicker like mayonnaise or peanut butter to fair it. I'm doing my hull to keel joint now with this system. Friends of mine did it a couple of years ago and the joint has not reappeared. I've spoken to the G/flex tech guys at West Systems and they highly recommend this method to fix the "smile"