Refinishing a swing keel

[sagablu]

Hey all,

I just bought my girlfriend a 16 ft O'day Javelin, 1982. Something for her to play around with. Anyway the lower part of the se steel swing keel has some surface rusting. What would be the best method to refinish? The boat will likely end up on a mooring so I need something durable. Would I be better getting down to clean metal and prime with a zinc rich cold galvanizing spray and paint over that, or start with one of those rust converting coatings? Something like total boat rust converter.

Appreciate any suggestions

[psk125]

Your first idea is the best one, but may be more work than it's worth. If the centerboard is from 1982 and only has surface rust, you may get by with simply sanding that off and going with Rustoleum. Try it for a season and see what happens. If the rust gets a lot worse you can give it the heavy-duty treatment. If not, you'll have more time for sailing.

You do not want to leave a boat with the centerboard down on a mooring. It prevents the boat from swinging into the wind, and can lead to its capsizing. I have seen this happen with Lightnings, which are bigger and heavier than your Javelin. (In Larchmont, btw, just across the water from you.) If the centerboard is left up when the boat is moored, it won't be sitting in the water all the time, so may rust less.

[Flatswing]

Ospho available at Ace & other hardware stores will convert the Oxides after quick sand/wire wheel. Then paint.

[sagablu]

Great, thanks for the suggestions guys