I have known since buying the boat that at some point in time I would have to address the "smile" - the issue with the keel stub. I also have the fiberglass scrubbed off the bottom of the keel at the bow end from (I assume) various groundings over the years (I am responsible for three instances).
My plan of attack for keel stub: dig everything out around the keel bolts, sand down well, and rather than using core (or plywood ) use epoxy, fiberglass mat, roving, and cloth and alternating layers of GL 10 fiberglass sheet cut to fit (with holes for the keel bolts). Build this back until one solid fiberglass keel stub around 3/8" or 1/2" less than original level. Then obtain a piece of stainless plate, cut to fit with holes for keel bolts, place in bed of epoxy and filler, and then layer with epoxy and fiberglass cloth. Install new washers and nuts; torque after everything fully cured. Torque again after boat in water.
My plan of attack for keel stub/keel junction outside: clean all bottom paint off well; sand well, dig vigorously into crack. Do a wide area around crack. Fill crack with epoxy and filler. Apply multiple layers of cloth extended well on each side of crack. Sand smooth/fair with epoxy compound. Bottom paint.
My plan of attack for bottom of keel: clean all bottom paint off well; sand well, do a wide area around bare area. File exposed lead keel to "bright". Apply multiple layers of cloth extended well around bare area. Sand smooth/fair with epoxy compound. Bottom paint.
Quite a few Catalina folks here - anyone been down this road? If so, did you lift the engine to get to that area around the back two bolts?
Thanks.
My plan of attack for keel stub: dig everything out around the keel bolts, sand down well, and rather than using core (or plywood ) use epoxy, fiberglass mat, roving, and cloth and alternating layers of GL 10 fiberglass sheet cut to fit (with holes for the keel bolts). Build this back until one solid fiberglass keel stub around 3/8" or 1/2" less than original level. Then obtain a piece of stainless plate, cut to fit with holes for keel bolts, place in bed of epoxy and filler, and then layer with epoxy and fiberglass cloth. Install new washers and nuts; torque after everything fully cured. Torque again after boat in water.
My plan of attack for keel stub/keel junction outside: clean all bottom paint off well; sand well, dig vigorously into crack. Do a wide area around crack. Fill crack with epoxy and filler. Apply multiple layers of cloth extended well on each side of crack. Sand smooth/fair with epoxy compound. Bottom paint.
My plan of attack for bottom of keel: clean all bottom paint off well; sand well, do a wide area around bare area. File exposed lead keel to "bright". Apply multiple layers of cloth extended well around bare area. Sand smooth/fair with epoxy compound. Bottom paint.
Quite a few Catalina folks here - anyone been down this road? If so, did you lift the engine to get to that area around the back two bolts?
Thanks.
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