What would cause a 1977 18ft Formula to keel

[SaltySal]

I have a 1977 F-18 that keels on the about 4-5 inches past the water line
(2 inches into the gelcoat). This occurs on the rear starboard side of the boat. I was told that it is common for a boat this age to keel. I just don't buy that story. I know Formulas are really well built, and the bilge area
stays relatively dry except during rough water- since the boat sits very low to begin with. Any suggestions to remedy this problem besides just adding weight to the opposite side? Getting sick and tired or removing barnacles. Thanks!

 

[JB]

Re: What would cause a 1977 18ft Formula to keel

Keel?

I think you mean heel, Sal. The boat tilting to one side.

Is this happening at rest? What does she do when on plane?

The most probable cause is unbalanced weight, causing the center of buoyancy to shift off to one side of the keel. The unbalance can be caused by cargo or by water, wetting of the boat structure.

 

[SaltySal]

Re: What would cause a 1977 18ft Formula to keel

Hi Ancient Mariner
Thanks for your reply.
Yes- heel. (sorry- thought it was keel)
Does this only when the boat is at rest.
The starboard side (where this is happening) contains the steering, controls and battery.
The opposite side has the VRO oil tank which is nothing compared to the starboard. In your opinion, what is the best way to correct this problem?
Thought of placing a cinder block, but was advised not to. Thanks.

 

[JasonJ]

Re: What would cause a 1977 18ft Formula to keel

Move the battery to the other side if you are that concerned with it. Really, a boats attitude at rest is secondary to its attitude when at speed. You never want to sacrifice its running attitude at speed for at rest. By moving the battery to the other side, you will most likely not encounter any issues at speed, but adding cinderblocks or other dead weight will only result in watsed fuel and decreased performance.

My boat does not sit level when at rest, but I don't care. Its hard for me to get concerned about that when the whole thing is bobbing and moving and the level is constantly changing as I walk around the thing. Is your concern based on how low the entire boat sits? Is there a possibility of it swamping due to how it sits?

 

[SaltySal]

Re: What would cause a 1977 18ft Formula to keel

It is just that the boat gets loaded with barnacles.
They are a pain to get off- plus the water hitting the gelcoat has caused
the area to be slightly porous resulting in minor blistering.
More concerned about preserving a 30 year old gelcoat which is still in
very good shape.

 

[JasonJ]

Re: What would cause a 1977 18ft Formula to keel

Hmmm...Well, like I said, see if you can move the battery over to the other side, that might level things out.

 

[steelespike]

Re: What would cause a 1977 18ft Formula to keel

"Porous and blisters" that would worry me about the cause, water intrusion perhaps?I'm no fiberglass expert but it would seem that blisters would indicate something going on behind the gel coat.The water must lap on the gel coat in other places.Is it causing problems there?
Where is the gas tank? If built in does it possibly cheat toward the Starboard side.Take the battery out intirely and see how it sits.It's hard for me to believe that the steering set up would cause a 5 inch list. "4 to 5 inches beyond the water line"
Depending on the size and style of the boat it would seem to me that it would take 200 lbs to cause a list that big.

 

[jtexas]

Re: What would cause a 1977 18ft Formula to keel

might have some saturated foam...