repair 1/4 inch holes in keel

[daveydoodle]

The guy who previously owned my boat moved the bow eye and left the two holes in the keel that goes thru to inside of boat , water shoots in like a hose. Would the grey marine tex putty hold up for this repair with the force of water on this area of bow?? This boat is 18.5 ft. aluminum

 

[daman4469]

Re: repair 1/4 inch holes in keel

The guy who previously owned my boat moved the bow eye and left the two holes in the keel that goes thru to inside of boat , water shoots in like a hose. Would the grey marine tex putty hold up for this repair with the force of water on this area of bow?? This boat is 18.5 ft. aluminum

Aluminum is tough. Find someone who can weld aluminum well, is my best guess. Not sure if thats good advice or not, but it doesnt seem like a bad idea. JB Weld maybe, too. Not sure about aluminum, but maybe those are good ideas!

 

[retiredfornow]

Re: repair 1/4 inch holes in keel

One thought is to get a couple of sheet metal screws, stainless, coat with 3M 5200, squirt some in the holes and screw them in. I've used sheet metal screws with washers made out of leather (old boots?) and sealed gas tanks with them. Good luck.

 

[Woodonglass]

Re: repair 1/4 inch holes in keel

Uhhhmm, why don't you replace the Bow eye and seal it with 3M 4200???

 

[ondarvr]

Re: repair 1/4 inch holes in keel

The easiest thing to do is pick up another bow eye and put it in. That is unless it will get in the way of something.

 

[daveydoodle]

Re: repair 1/4 inch holes in keel

Thanks for all info, cant move bow eye still have 2 extra holes. Sounds like the consesus is to fill the holes with screws and 42 0r 5200. its not going to look too good unless welded. Guess I will thru bolt or screw with calk then grind down to round it off somewhat conforming to curve of keel. Its a functional oldie she is not too pickey about her looks anyway.

 

[ondarvr]

Re: repair 1/4 inch holes in keel

Thanks for all info, cant move bow eye still have 2 extra holes.

I don't think anybody said to move the bow eye, they said buy another one and put it in the old position.

 

[daveydoodle]

Re: repair 1/4 inch holes in keel

I would then have two , I think the guy moved it down a little due to it contacting the rubber V rest on trailer when cranking it on. Sorry for my confusion , its just one of the many fixes on her and planning ahead on which one to do next. I guess to simplify, I ll have two bow eyes or 2 holes to fill any way you look at it. Very happy that you guys take the time to help. Dave

 

[Gun Dog]

Re: repair 1/4 inch holes in keel

I have two bow eyes on my bass boat. I love it. I use one for the winch and one for the safety chain/strap. I use a chain. Keeps the hooks from crowding up on the one eye. Put the second one in and adjust the stop. You'll never go back.

 

[daveydoodle]

Re: repair 1/4 inch holes in keel

Excellent idea,never seen that before. I may do that instead of other bolts. Thanks again to all for solutions. Dave