VC Tar & Antifouling?

[conks01]

Hi,

I'm no expert when it comes to things as such so would be grateful for guidance please.

I have a 70s Westerly Pageant bilge keel.

The keels are slightly rusty so I'm going to use a Tercoo tool to remove the surface rust etc.

Somebody has recommended then using VC Tar which I'm not familiar with.

Firstly is this recommended and would I use on both keels and bottom of boat.

Secondly would I then need to use another product before applying antifoul or would the antifoul be applied directly to the VC Tar?

Lastly, what would be needed to coat stern gland etc?

If not VC Tar can any other product be recommended please.

Many thanks.

 

[rogerthebodger]

I have a steel boat and have epoxy tar paint on the underside below the waterline. Epoxy tar is less hydroscopic than any other epoxy I have found. After 10 years afloat 12 months a year I have no rust .

If you paint the first coat of antifoul within 48 hours it will bond to the epoxy and then when next antifouling all you need is to wash and sand the old antifoul to give a key to the new antifoul .

Best preparation for steel is grit blasting if not finish with hydrochloric acid followed by phosphoric acid a wash and dry before applying the epoxy tar. I have 6 coats before antifoul.

 

[Dan Tribe]

Rogershaw has it well covered. It's worth checking the manufacturers guidance but with a pinch of salt
[ they told me that if I didn't use a special primer my lead keel would absorb water and go rusty!]
If you aren't under cover your big problem may be getting enough time with suitable conditions to apply enough coats.
That Tercoo tool looks the business, but be aware of the dust it may generate. You could have some irate neighbours.