Filler or sealant around keel

[ithet]

My twin keels are well bedded onto the original two part sealant. But there is a gap around the top edge and also some areas where the epoxied hull is slightly proud of the keel flange. In the past I have used Sika, but it is hard to get a smooth finish, and it falls off after a season anyway.

I am looking for suggestions for a different flexible filler or sealant, preferrably one that is sandable or easy to get a smooth finish where it is used to fair in a wider area. It has to be able to adhere to primer and fill some areas to a depth of a few mm. It only needs to perform moderate sealing duties and no mechanical bonding as the original sealant bedding the keels down is fine.

Thanks in advance.

 

[ithet]

Any recomendations anyone?

 

[aluijten]

Which type of Sikaflex did you use? The 291 type is not recommended for this application, the 292 type is more adhesive (and more expensive )
Also make VERY sure you degrease the surface with acetone before applying.
Making the surface smooth can be done with soapy water; first apply the sealant to the surface and then spray with soapy water, with a wet and soapy finger you can smooth out the seam.

I did this at a boat and it seemed to work quite well. But the final test will be the upcoming season.

 

[BlueSkyNick]

You can use 291 - I have just done this, on the basis that the instructions stated it is sandable after 4 days. I left mine for a week and it worked fine.

 

[ithet]

Thanks, yes it was the 291! Anything a bit less expensive than 292 available? Did yours stay stuck MoodyNick?

 

[BlueSkyNick]

Thanks, yes it was the 291! Anything a bit less expensive than 292 available? Did yours stay stuck MoodyNick?

I only put it on 10 days ago and just launched the boat, so ask me again in a few months time!!

I did clean out the gap with acetone first but MAKE SURE IT IS DRY BEFORE FILLING because the 291 goes runny immediately.

Its less than a tenner a tube so not too expensive, IMO.