Tartan 372 keel

[Tcubed66]

I’m starting to do the bottom job on my 372 and the previous owners did some fiberglassing the lead keel to the hull. Of course over time the glassing on the lead started to peel off and look bad. The keel joint looks good after removing all their hard work but really don’t understand why it was done. My plan is to scrape out some of the bedding sealant and seal/fair with a fillet of 5200 along the seam and prime and such. Any suggestions or opinions on how to proceed or possibly why someone would do this?

[psk125]

Why would a previous owner glass the lead keel to the hull? It would seem to create more problems than it solves, especially if it was done because of failing keelbolts. A Tartan is not likely to have problems with the keelbolts unless it hit something. Check the keelbolts and also the floors (ribs) for collision or other damage thoroughly before repacking the hull/keel joint.

[Tcubed66]

That was my thoughts too! I checked all the keel bolts for torque and condition and all were good. No damages either to the structure. During the survey it was looked at closely for any structural issues and was given a clean bill of health in that area. Beats me.

[Manateeman]

Why. Well TPI invented the epoxy and glass band to cover this joint. BUT, both the lead keel and the hull stump were smaller so that the band, when completed, was flush with the finished keel and hull. Special epoxy and triaxial glass.
The band was parallel to the surface of the lead and flat...not 90 degrees. So the hull must have a stump that makes the curve from the hull bottom downward.
We have seen people use a spiral bit in a router to open up the joint. Grinders...all sorts of saws. The question is simple. Are you sure the keel bolts...and more importantly...the structure to which they are attached...are you certain, they are structurally sound. Not just the weight of the keel, but that the entire system can withstand all the forces.
Cannot answer that for you.
Captain Mark and the manatee crew

[Manateeman]

We forgot. Please take some photos. Also, we assume you know about the Blue Heron story. Tartan did the right thing and we believe Tartan vessels are built exceptionally strong. Don’t want to derail the thread...so if someone asks, you will have answers. Again...they are very strong, well designed boats.
Mark