Keel damage - read too much - your thoughts?

[stangmata]

I’ve been reading for days and could use some more guidance on my situation.

Boat is a 2003 Chap Sunesta 210. PO beached it very often and the keel has taken a beating. I’m taking on a bit of water when sitting in the lake. Can’t see any water coming in the transom/bellows and haven’t been able to see any wet spots back there. I’m assuming it’s coming in along the keel but can’t be sure. (I see water in the hull forward of the bilge pump and it drains like crazy from the hull drain when I pull the plug)

Regardless, the keel needs fixed. The gel coat has a lot of damage but my main concern is the exposed fiberglass. The fiberglass seems to be in pretty good shape - no hairs, flakes, etc.

What’s the best way to repair? My plan right now is to use fiberglass matting then put a keel guard over it. Is the glass matting overkill (is there such a thing?) Not too concerned about cosmetics - function in the priority.

Thanks for any advice!

 

[tpenfield]

We see this often. It is hard to tell from the picture if it is leaking. I suppose if you put the boat nose down on the trailer for a while it would confirm a leak (or not).

But, yes, glass mat . . . or even some biaxial cloth to build up the area. Sand to the proper shape and coat with gelcoat. Sand to blend/fair to the rest of the hull.

 

[Scott Danforth]

looks like the area was repaired at least once for keel rash.

 

[stangmata]

Appreciate the responses.

Scott - what indicates it's been repaired before? What should I be looking for?

 

[Scott Danforth]

Appreciate the responses.

Scott - what indicates it's been repaired before? What should I be looking for?

you have divits that have been gel coated over. the color is a bit off

its not a bad thing, that is normal maintenance.

however you need to look (up close with a bright light) at the fiberglass. look for any cracks or holes.

patch as needed.

what I see isnt bad, just a bit of TLC

 

[stangmata]

Working the hull now but noticed my through transducer is rubbing on a trailer bunker and much of the sealant looks shot. I think I found the leak….

 

[KJM]

Yeah, I was thinking the keel doesn't look bad enough to leak, just cosmetic. Glad you found the problem, hopefully!

 

[drewm3i]

This isn't a big deal, but it should be repaired by grinding it out, laminating some new roving and csm, and then gelcoating.