I have a real problem with the keel

[Realgun]

The 88 bayliner has a big worn area about 6 feet long on the keel from front to back. The gel coat is gone. I believe it is letting water in the boat hence the floor and lower area are rotting. I am working on that. How do I fix this the keel seems thin? and the worst part you can see light through the hull. Do I grind and then tape this with epoxy and cloth? Do I leave the cloth out and just paint the Epoxy? I will get a keel guard for this are but need to beef up/or fix this first.

 

[Winger Ed.]

Re: I have a real problem with the keel

Do I grind and then tape this with epoxy and cloth? [/QB]

Yep. Or even polyester resin & fiberglass mat would do you a good job. Since you're putting a keel guard over it, your bodywork doesn't even have to be perfect. But you do need to get the strength & integrity of the keel built back up.<br /><br />That floor has plenty of other means to rot than through the hull, but water soaked fiberglass will eventually de-laminate. And that is a real problem when it happens.<br /><br />Don't worry about the 'glass being translucent. All fiberglass products are like that unless its been painted or has had a dye added to it. I've seen keels that would show light through them when they were 1/2 inch thick once the gelcoat was sanded off. <br /><br />Ed.

 

[Realgun]

Re: I have a real problem with the keel

Thx Winger Ed. I will grind then Epoxy some cloth I don't do mat as I use epoxy not poly or Vinyl. I was thinking tape about 2 inches wide then another 4 inches wide then keel guard. Biax or triax is not need as I dont need strengh in 1 direction or the other just uniform. <br /><br /> I wonder if I should use a blue Carbon fiber tape that might loo cool but what epoxy can stand up to UV and Water?

 

[rogerwa]

Re: I have a real problem with the keel

I had the same problem on my Sear Ray. since I was installing a keel guard, I just built up the keel with Marine tex. I then sanded it somewhat smooth and installed the KG.. End of story.

 

[Winger Ed.]

Re: I have a real problem with the keel

I dont need strengh in 1 direction or the other just uniform. [/QB]

You're on the right track. <br />Its great to see someone get in & out of a project sucessfully & quickly without makeing a lot of extra work and expense for thierself. <br /><br />It sounds like you just knocked a little bark off the front end, but didn't damage its structure. I'd use whatever is easiest to work with- but still waterproof- as you build it back up and get it ready to attach the keelguard.

 

[Realgun]

Re: I have a real problem with the keel

Winger ED I bought the boat in Minnesota last year. I did not do anything to it. Just fixing it for me. I would not have beached the boat so much as to wear off the gelcoat.