Venture Newport 23 Project

Posted By: Bill C
Date: 1/17/08 4:10p.m.

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Hello all, I am not sure if this is the right forum, so please point me in the right direction if there is a better place to ask these questions. I have just become the "proud" owner of a 1973 Venture Newport 23. This boat was my uncles for a number of years and I just bought it off him for the 'family discount'. I have begun working on the boat in hopes of getting her usable by summer. There were three major issues, the rest can be fixed over time. Here are some pictures: http://www.clery.net/venture23 The Trailer is rusty and had failing welds. I have been replacing metal and welding. I think I got that handled. The lower rudder broke on the maiden test voyage. I have a new solid hunk of Mahogany to rebuilt it from. This should work OK, but any ideas about how to brace the lower rudder with stainless plates or rods would be appreciated. The keel is a rusted mess. I have removed it, but now have lots of questions: What is the best way to strip the keel down to bare metal? Some of the rust at the upper section (goes into boat) looks like it may have eaten into the real metal. Is there a way to add metal to build it back up? I think the keel must be a spec thickness at the top. What is the factory spec thickness for the upper portion of the keel? It seems to be designed to fit snug. What is the best primer the repaint the keel? I was thinking of using a two part epoxy type primer and paint. Maybe even car paint. It is very hard with hardener and I can spray it on nicely. Thoughts? I have heard that there is a some kind of keel bolt replacement kit? Where do I get it? What is included? When the keel is down there is a pin to keep it down? How do I get a replacement for that? it is gone. Thanks, Bill