Keel Damage
Grounding can leave a malleable material like lead scarred and deformed from impact. Rough-surfaced iron keels may also require re-fairing for optimum performance.
Solution 7 - Keel repair - metal bonding & fairing
1. Plan access to the keel's damaged area when the boat is hauled.
2. Thoroughly dry damaged area. A moderate heat source is recommended to accelerate drying.
3. Remove any loose plastic filler or lead chips. Wear a dust mask.
4. With a lead keel, a bulge each side of the dent is typical. Some lead may be saved. Use a hammer to forge displaced lead towards the void.
5. Coat the remaining bulges with petroleum jelly and plane or file flush. After bulges have been faired, clean the area with solvent. Allow the surface to dry completely. Scrub the surface with a wire brush to expose fresh lead.
6. Brush a mixture of epoxy into the recess. For maximum adhesion, immediately scrub the wet epoxy-coated metal surfaces with a wire brush.
7. Blend the remaining epoxy mixture with 403 Microfibre Blend to a "peanut butter" consistency and fill in the recess.
8. When the necessary build-up has fully cured, shape with a 50-grit sandpaper. Touch up imperfections with a mixture of 411 Microsphere Blend and epoxy.
9. Sand when cured, and coat with unthickened epoxy. Final sanding and application of bottom paint may be completed after 24 hours.
