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 Catalina/Capri 25/250 Sailor's Forums
 Catalina 25 Specific Forum
 Rusty Keel		  New Topic  Topic Locked
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froell56
Deckhand

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USA
14 Posts
Initially Posted - 11/01/2011 :  15:07:14  Show Profile
My '77 C-25 swing-keel has quite a bit of rust under the anti-fouling paint so I plan to grind and/or wire brush as much of it off as I can before I seal it with epoxy and apply new bottom paint. My question is in what sort of epoxy barrier coat to use. I've searched these forums a bit and haven't really found an answer to this specific question. Does anyone out there have experience with this and can give advice on a product? Thanks!
S/V Lagniappe; West Linn, OR
'77 Cat 25 #136 SK/SR
Sailing the Columbia River
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OJ
Master Marine Consultant

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USA
4382 Posts
Response Posted - 11/01/2011 :  16:50:14  Show Profile
You may already know that the results/longevity will only be as good the preparation. Metal begins to oxidize <i>the moment</i> you stop sanding, grinding, scrapping, blasting.

Interlux System 2000E is a popular water barrier.

Here's what others say:

http://www.sailnet.com/forums/gear-maintenance/40751-iron-keel-rust.html
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Stinkpotter
Master Marine Consultant

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Djibouti
9075 Posts
Response Posted - 11/01/2011 :  19:01:47  Show Profile
Happily, I had the fiberglass-encapsulated lead fin keel, but if it had been iron, I would have started by applying a "rust reformer" anywhere that I exposed bare metal This chemically transforms the surface (including some residual rust) while coating it like a primer. I've used Rustoleum's version--a milky fluid that dries clear and turns any ferrous metal under it black--rust or bright metal. On some older cars, it did very well at arresting rust. However, nothing is going to be forever--especially if you're in salt water (or drive a car in rock salt). One thing will last longer than another, but eventually the water wins, rust forms underneath, and the coating comes off.

The good news is there's a LOT of cast iron down there--you'll be long gone before your keel's function has changed in any measurable way.
Edited by - Stinkpotter on 11/01/2011 19:02:12
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Steve Milby
Past Commodore

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USA
5895 Posts
Response Posted - 11/01/2011 :  19:04:32  Show Profile
The best results I had with my keel was to sand it and wire brush it as clean as possible. (My keel was a crude casting, and the depressions in it were faired with fiberglass. I didn't think it necessary to remove any filler material unless it was loose.) As soon as I finished sanding and wire brushing, I sprayed a rust reforming paint on the bare metal. Then I faired any areas that required it with a product such as Marine Tex, and then coated the entire keel with 3-4 coats of coal tar epoxy. (I believe it was made by Interlux, and was called VC Tar.) Then I finished the job by painting it all with antifouling.
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Dave5041
Former Mainsheet Editor

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USA
3758 Posts
Response Posted - 11/01/2011 :  19:12:11  Show Profile
When I had more money than time, I had my keel dropped, sandblasted and a rust converter applied. It was then filled to smooth with epoxy filler and 6 coats of Interprotect (I think, it was definitely an Interluxe product). I do annual spot touch-ups with epoxy when the bottom of the keel gets an occasional sandblast in Pensacola Bay. It has been 6 or 7 years and has held up well.
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froell56
Deckhand

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USA
14 Posts
Response Posted - 11/02/2011 :  09:39:41  Show Profile
Thanks all for the replies and advice!

I'm not planning to get into any major work like this too soon as we just bought the boat and plan to enjoy it a while first. The rust is mostly blistered under the bottom paint so it's covered for now. Our usage will be a mix of salt and fresh water (Puget Sound, OR coast, Columbia River and various lakes) but mostly fresh for the next year. In the meantime I'll be looking into the Interlux barrier coat and rust reformers.
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tbosch
Navigator

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163 Posts
Response Posted - 11/02/2011 :  10:10:22  Show Profile
Floyd,

Here is a thread where I described the process I used to deal with my rusty keel. I followed up with 5 coats of the Interlux 2000E before bottom painting. After 2 seasons in the water things are still looking great!

http://catalina-capri-25s.org/forum/topic.asp?ARCHIVE=true& TOPIC_ID=18916& SearchTerms=keel
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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.