Keel

Posted By: Allen
Date: 3/15/07 3:49p.m.

Report: outside forum guidelines

In Response To: neptune 24 keel (pic) (Irwin)

I have not pulled the CB to check what is going on exactly. I have noticed that the bottom of the floor just behind the CB trunk is pushed up maybe 3/8" and the STBD side of the CB trunk is puffed out about the same. The CB still goes up and down fine. The drain holes in the sole are also plugged up with rust. I was thinking of taking a 6" hole saw and drilling a plug out of the sole just behind the CB trunk, cleaning up what I could with assorted impliments and a shop vac then flooding the entire area with Ospho.Also using a similar tactic through the other small drain holes. If you are not familiar with Ospho it chemically bonds the corrosion and acts a a corrosion inhibitor. Since I currently sail her in fresh water I think if I keep her dry I will survive this season (the lake opens April 1). Looking at the construction of the boat I dont think a complete removal of the ballast is a reasonably achievable job. My boat shows great care taken in bonding the inner pan to the hull and the only way I can see accessing the entire keel is to 1. remove it from the outside with a sawzall 2. cut the inner pan to bits with a sawzall. Neither one sound like fun to me.I'll keep everyone posted on what I find and try to remember to take pictures. Allen