Redneck Keel Repair

[twsnagel]

Hi everyone:
The keel on my old 1963 Arkansas Traveler runabout is worn to the mesh, I’d suspect from beaching. It’s worst right at the stern and goes 1/2 the way up the keel. I’m concerned that it may soon leak, or is already leaking somewhat.

Yes, I know the best thing is to:
1) Check to see if the leaking has affected the integrity of the stringers
1.5) Pull the entire boat apart if the stringers are compromised (I’ve seen threads where this has been done – impressive!)
2) fix any leaks from the inside out
3) rebuild the keel, and
4) Put a keel protector on

BUT……

This is a boat that gets very little use, and it’s not worth ripping it to shreds to replace questionable stringers. It’s not a candidate for complete restoration, and I don’t want to invest three-digit figures in a keel protector, when it won’t be beached regularly (ever?) in the future.

What is the redneck repair here? Sandpaper the keel to roughen it up, resin/epoxy a few layers of fibreglass mesh the length of the keel and then paint over it? I’ve never done fiberglass work before and don’t have a sense of it. Does the fibreglass stick to roughened up gel coat?

I’m usually for doing things the right way, but this hull is simply not worth it for the little use it gets and the condition it is in.

Thanks again. You guys rock.

[wiscoboater]

Red neck repair for that would be to buy a 6" wide roll of 7oz cloth tape, roughen up the keel for the width of the tape plus 2" on each side. Run 1st layer all the way to one side, bedded in Laminating resin, run the next layer all the way to the other side, again bedded in laminating resin, run the third layer right up the center bedded in resin. When thats dry, roll or brush another layer of resin over the top, then sand it smooth and paint. The repair is red neck, and will not look perfect, but will be very strong and last quite a few years. Make sure you use Laminating resin, not the auto parts store stuff. The auto store resin has wax in it. Not good for a repair like this. You can buy everything you need from U.S.composites.com. They have great prices and product.

[twsnagel]

This is absolutely awesome, and what I had in mind. Thank you so much!

1) Do you have a brand name for "Laminating resin"? How much should I buy? I’m in Canada and shipping from the states is ferociously expensive.

2) What kind of paint do I use?

[wiscoboater]

The resin is under the U.S.composites brand. They mix their own and sell direct, no middle man. They would also have the tape/cloth in 6" rolls. If shipping is to high from the states, just do a search for laminating resin in your area. I would think Canada would have quite a few wholesalers. I’m going to assume your boat is in the 14′ to 16′ range? 1/2 a gallon of resin should be plenty. As for paint, that’s up to you. Many guys just use rustoleum. I have had great luck buying tractor and implement paint from my local farm supply store. Very tough stuff and good results. The prices are cheap as well. That would be the official red neck paint of choice.

[johnny-infl]

Bondo up any gouges and bad spots prior to glassing will make for a nice smooth finish.
Remove any loose or peeling glass with a rasp, file, rough paper, grinder, etc.
If you can turn the boat upside down, or at least on its side, you can do a much better
job than laying on your back underneath it working upside down. (but is not actually that difficult).
Rust-Oleum (and other paint makers) makes a primer just for fiberglass.

many good DIY videos on the good ole YouTube on glass repairs

[jcrigan]

Get a length of used fire hose, a couple tubes of silycone, and some short deck screws. Oil based porch and floor paint would work great to hide the fix. Hope this helps. I was told that roof flashing may work if you have a hard time finding used fire hose.

[Casey Lynn]

quote John C:

Get a length of used fire hose, a couple tubes of silycone, and some short deck screws. Oil based porch and floor paint would work great to hide the fix. Hope this helps. I was told that roof flashing may work if you have a hard time finding used fire hose.

Kudos to you! THAT is a true Redneck repair! Gotta’ love it!!

[jcrigan]

Thanks. I have been inspired by rednecks my whole life.

[kennmatson]

You could try googling West System epoxy. The website can direct you to a Canadian seller. I got my last bath of resin from Starport Marine near Orillia. Don’t forget to wear goggles, mask and gloves. Fiberglass can tend to be itchy. Hot shower after relieves some of the itch.

[chinewalker]

I would skip the poly resin route and go with epoxy. Resin is a moulding agent. It is NOT a glue. The keel will get wear and tear from trailer rollers, etc. and I would recommend going with an epoxy to wet out the glass cloth patch. For a relatively small job like this, the cost difference shouldn’t be a deal breaker…

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