Keel Joints

[bigmart]

Does anyone have any experience as to what should be used to seal the Keel to Hull joint on a wood boat.

The joint on my Eventide looks like it could use some maintenance and I don't suppose Sikaflex is going to do the job.

 

[drawp]

I used a one part polysulphide (two part would probably be better) on my boat. The secret is to initially only tighten the keel bolts until the polysulphide starts to extrude. Then after the sealant has cured go ahead and tighten the bolts fully. This way all the sealant is not squeezed out.

 

[Guest]

Polyurethane sealants such as Sikaflex are probably the best availabe for that kind of job. Avoid V-shaped joints if it has to accommodate much movement.

 

[bigmart]

Thanks for the rapid reply.

What the hell is Polysulphide & where do you get it?

 

[bigmart]

Thanks for the reply.

I must admit that I was under the impression that Sikaflex wasn't suitable for use under the waterline but from what you say I must be wrong.

 

[drawp]

Polysulphide is a sythetic compound that cures into a stable and flexible rubber. It also sticks tenaciously and for this reason is messy to use. It is used in the building industry to seal flexible joints. Westerly for one use it to bed their keels.
You can get it at any decent builders' merchants. Two manufacturers are Sealocrete and Dow Corning.

Have fun!

 

[bigmart]

Thanks for the advice.

I'm sure I will have fun