Notice:
The advice given on this site is based upon individual or quoted experience, yours may differ.
The Officers, Staff and members of this site only provide information based upon the concept that anyone utilizing this information does so at their own risk and holds harmless all contributors to this site.
The PO of my new to me boat took a 2" gash of lead out of the bottom of the keel, aft edge, when backing it off the trailer. I'll see if I can post a pic of it later. Basically, how should I go about fixing?
I've thought of bondo and melting lead/repainting but not sure if any of you have had a similar issue.
For a gash that small you definitely do not want to hassle with hazardous molten lead. Just fair it with a cosmetic patch like Randy suggested.
Randy - Marine-tex seems to be the most popular fairing compound out there. I have a couple of small things I need to do above the waterline. How does Marine-tex fare with UV exposure? Typically epoxy needs to be painted over, and that would make it difficult to match with unpainted gel coat. Does Marine-tex have pigment or other UV inhibitors built-in, or does it need to be painted?
Rick, you'll want to cover it with something--it's basically heavily thickened, putty-like epoxy, slightly gray. I've used one-part gelcoat patch in a little tube (from WM). I applied a couple of coats so it was above the level of the surrounding gelcoat, and then sanded it down. I don't think Bruce Ross (C.O.) could find it--I might not be able to, either. You have the advantage of a bright white hull--it should be easy. But leave the Marine Tex a little "low" so you can sand the gelcoat to the level of the surrounding surface. For small enough dings and gouges, the gelcoat alone might do the job.
I have not had issues with MarineTex yellowing. Personally I would not bother with gelcoat on the keel. The Marine Tex will be sufficient. Use the white version, not the gray.
<blockquote id="quote"><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica" id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"><i>Originally posted by Nautiduck</i> <br />...Personally I would not bother with gelcoat on the keel. The Marine Tex will be sufficient...<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></font id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">I agree. But regarding Rick's boo-boos, gelcoat will make a nicer visible surface.
Will: Looking at your pix again, I'd use a nail or a drill and make some shallow holes in the lead before packing in the Marine Tex. That'll help it hold in place.
I have also had damage to my keel from the trailer, look up the topic 'WK Trailer Issues, (help)' sourced by me (moserd); maybe it will help. My damage was repaired with epoxy and fiberglass cloth.
I was so busy with dropping and raising the mast yesterday that I forgot to take pictures :/ I learned some valuable lessons though; put the anchor light and windex in when the mast is down the first time...and tie a messenger line to the furler halyard tail.
I'll take a picture this weekend before I put her in the water!
Notice: The advice given on this site is based upon individual or quoted experience, yours may differ. The Officers, Staff and members of this site only provide information based upon the concept that anyone utilizing this information does so at their own risk and holds harmless all contributors to this site.