Re-hanging 400#/180kg Cast Iron Keel

[s/v Jedi]

Originally Posted by Spot

The keel and blade refinish and keel hanging are complete. Thanks for all of the ideas and tips!

I ended up using fiberglass rod and epoxy to fill the 24 holes.

I was able to complete the install with the 2 tubes of 5200 that our 3M rep at work sent my way (thanks!) and also got to talk to their tech support about ideal thickness, etc. (thanks again!). There was plenty of squeeze-out and some in the tube to spare. I used 3/16" of aluminum as a spacer material to set the thickness. Before all of that I washed and sanded the epoxy surfaces and levelled the boat.

After the bolts were in, we had a sudden downpour, so I taped a drip edge with wide masking tape around the keel to keep the rain off the joint.

Very nice, congrats

[SomeGuyInaShirt]

Don't use Boat Life Life Calk like I did. They don't leak as bad but the keels still leak.

[s/v Jedi]

Originally Posted by SomeGuyInaShirt

Don't use Boat Life Life Calk like I did. They don't leak as bad but the keels still leak.

Under the waterline 5200 rules.

[SomeGuyInaShirt]

Originally Posted by s/v Jedi

Under the waterline 5200 rules.

Amazing, I used 5200 to mate the plastic fan housing for my composting toilet to the aluminum framed bug screen for my porthole and I just peeled the two apart by hand with ease when trying to inspect the fan. It held up for a few years of light use but I had expected much better performance. Maybe seawater helps it form a more tenacious bond?

Hopefully their VHB tape which is holding my deadlights onto the cabin sides remains strong....yeesh.

[Jammer]

It is difficult to get anything to adhere to aluminum because it forms an oxide layer in a few hours upon exposure to air.

[SomeGuyInaShirt]

Originally Posted by Jammer

It is difficult to get anything to adhere to aluminum because it forms an oxide layer in a few hours upon exposure to air.

Ah yeah.....good point.

[Spot]

Originally Posted by Jammer

It is difficult to get anything to adhere to aluminum because it forms an oxide layer in a few hours upon exposure to air.

Testify!

I made the mistakes of (1) using 5-minute epoxy instead of double-sided tape or hot melt glue to set my shims and (2) sanding the aluminum facing the keel before applying said epoxy. I was not able to fully remove 1 of the 6 shims and the 'handle' tore off so I now have a 1" x 1/2" x 3/16" thick (25 x 13 x 4.8mm) 'souvenir' embedded in the 5200...

[Jammer]

Fire is your friend.

[sailingharry]

Originally Posted by SomeGuyInaShirt

Amazing, I used 5200 to mate the plastic fan housing for my composting toilet to the aluminum framed bug screen for my porthole and I just peeled the two apart by hand with ease.

Some posters commented the aluminum was the problem. I disagree, I suspect the problem was the plastic. Many common plastics are immune to glue of any sort.