Keel replacement on 21' Cruisers Inc?

[reverbflange]

I've just recently got my hands on a beautiful 1962 21' Cruisers Inc. Most of this boat is in great structural shape, with just some finish work needed.

The one thing that has got me worried, is what to do with the keel. Just before the keel turns up at the front, there is about a 3' section that is rotted. Not rotted out, but the actual wood keel peice has some rot. Not into the actual hull.

I've read that I would have to replace the entire keel, but have also been told that I could just glass over the damage, and roll with it.

I am not trying to make this boat show quality, but functional and usable.

Obviously money is tight, and this doesn't help.

I can not think of a cheap and at the same time safe way to lift the front end of this boat off the trailer.

Any ideas on a plan?

 

[drewpster]

Re: Keel replacement on 21' Cruisers Inc?

I am not a wood boat guy so I am not much help. I would like to say I like the design very much. The cabin top is very cool looking. I bet it would finish out nicely.

 

[jonesg]

Re: Keel replacement on 21' Cruisers Inc?

That might be a situation for cpes.
http://www.rotdoctor.com/products/cpes.html

sounds like its right up your street.

 

[reverbflange]

Re: Keel replacement on 21' Cruisers Inc?

Wow, CPES is some great sounding stuff! Now, I'm taking it I would use that, and then glass over that? Thanks so much, I'm definitely investing into that stuff regardless!

 

[rngale]

Re: Keel replacement on 21' Cruisers Inc?

One way to get the boat off the trailer without haveing to pick it up is to roll it off the trailer and onto jack stands at the stern. Blocking the keel as you get the trailer out form under the boat. THen put a couple jack stands ,one on each side of the boat as close to the bow as you can.

As to how to fix the stem, could you post some close up pics of the rotted area?

 

[jonesg]

Re: Keel replacement on 21' Cruisers Inc?

Wow, CPES is some great sounding stuff! Now, I'm taking it I would use that, and then glass over that? Thanks so much, I'm definitely investing into that stuff regardless!

ask them, they'll know, glass over wood is often said to be the kiss of death for wood. Stay off the rocks.