Between the keel and hull

[rbeange]

Hi, I've found what looks to be some crumbling filler where the keel and hull meet - see the picture. Is anyone able to explain what this is and why its there?

Thanks

 

[sailorman]

just fairing the gap between keel & hull, there is a bedding compound there too.
its the weight of the hull being taken on the keel rather than when afloat the keel hanging from the hull.
dont worry

Hi, I've found what looks to be some crumbling filler where the keel and hull meet - see the picture. Is anyone able to explain what this is and why its there?

Thanks

 

[rbeange]

Thank you. So I can safely cut it away before I anti foul?

 

[sailorman]

correct

 

[Tranona]

Yes, but you might want to clean out the gap and fill it with a sealer and fair it so that you have a smooth transition from the hull to the keel. Often difficult because the gap opens a bit when the load comes off the keel - part of the reason why it has broken away - but use a flexible sealer like a Polysulphide and it should last a couple of seasons before you need to patch it again.

 

[rbeange]

Thank you. Is this essentially this is a measure to reduce drag?

 

[Tranona]

Thank you. Is this essentially this is a measure to reduce drag?

Not really - just to make it look neat and to stop water getting in and rusting the top of the keel. Not structural if the keel attachment is OK but very unsightly having rusty streaks!

 

[rbeange]

Thank you. I just ordered some. I assume I should apply it quite generously to allow for expansion?

 

[Clive]

I have the same on my X-yacht, have scrapped it out and re-faired with epoxy nice round fillet. wet & dry smooth and then antifoule. provide your keel does not flex then no future cracking.

 

[rbeange]

Thank u all

 

[ghostlymoron]

I have the same on my X-yacht, have scrapped it out and re-faired with epoxy nice round fillet. wet & dry smooth and then antifoule. provide your keel does not flex then no future cracking.

Your keel will flex. When resting on the keel and floating are different conditions and it will also flex according to which tack you're on. That's why you need a flexible joint otherwise it will crack.