Keel question..

[Robin]

+1

I have a similar crack on my Javelin30. After two winter seasons of sanding/scraping back and filling I can see no deterioration and assume (dangerous!) that there is no deterioration to worry about - and sleep quite easily.

javelin 30 now that is a pretty boat!

 

[Robert Wilson]

javelin 30 now that is a pretty boat!

Glad you think so, I DO :encouragement:

There's one for sail down Farnham way - quite a bit less than I paid for mine 5 years ago

 

[peter2407]

Now with the extra pic it looks like it might be the join between the hull moulding stub and the keel, if so, quitecommon to see cracks in the antifoul/paint here and you could if you wish clean back locally (small grinder) and run some sealant into the join area ( mask it off first for a neat finish) then repaint. OR just sand it to fair in and repaint normally.

Robin

Just measured up and the line is very near to where the keel bolts are, so I am going to go with your view. Phew!

 

[Robin]

Robin

Just measured up and the line is very near to where the keel bolts are, so I am going to go with your view. Phew!

Good, glad to help and that it was nothing major!

 

[haydude]

Damn. Didn't want that answer ... So, strip off the AF with a heat gun, belt sander? What should I be looking for?

If there is a small gap/crack in the paint it means that something has moved. Before anything else I recommend to re-torque the keel bolts. Lead is soft and it tends to give way over time. It is a simple operation to prevent the keel studs getting wet and it can save a lot over time. After that reseal and repaint which is secondary cosmetic.

A larger crack might require dropping the keel and resealing to keep water out of the keel studs. I know of someone who was recommended to do such operation but decided against it because the crack did not seem too serious, within three years he had to have a new keel cast because the studs rusted and could not be replaced. This is because in general lead keels have the studs linked to a frame cast into the keel.

 

[savageseadog]

Any doubt, ie if you're not sure, ask a surveyor or a boatyard worker for an opinion. Keel bolts should be drawn at intervals and checked.

 

[Tranona]

Any doubt, ie if you're not sure, ask a surveyor or a boatyard worker for an opinion. Keel bolts should be drawn at intervals and checked.

Unlikely to be bolts but studs as described above. Little to gain from trying to withdraw. Your advice would be valid for through bolts on a traditional wooden boat.

 

[Cafran]

Just a bit of movement at what we used to term the deadwood
wouldn't have thought it is anything serious think you will find that the lead is not the full depth of the keel

 

[peter2407]

I first noticed the mark/crack/line 4 years ago when I had the boat out. There are no rust marks. There are no noticeable changes to the keel bolts. When the boat was in the lift, there was no difference to how the mark looked, so now that she is in a cradle, I dont think compression is masking anything.

I think it will be fine, but thanks to all for your comments.