Keel repair project

Years ago when we trucked TRADITION from Cincinnati Ohio, we suffered a crush point on the hull. It was not a real serious blow, but it clearly had to be fixed. I routed out the crack and literally filled the entire area with a large chunk of polyester. Along with a fiberglass cloth wrap and finish job, this repair has lasted 12 or more years without a hint of a crack or any water intrusion, blister, etc.

Now I'm looking at a gouge out of the bottom aft edge of my 20' fiberglass Sea Skiff keel, thanks to a previous owner or careless yard handler. I had a broken engine stringer, and I also have a place on that keel that took quite a shot. I am wondering if both things happened at the same time, maybe in the boat yard? In any case, I have delayed fixing this because I didn't believe this could be the source of water intrusion into the inner hull, but now I know differently. I have never seen water leaking out of this location when the boat has been pulled onto the trailer, but clearly, this is a way water gets in as the boat settles further into the water and the level seeks another pathway.

In any case, it will be fixed today.

I am planning on roughing up the surface to be sure it is free of oil and or wax. Then I'll do a wrap with fiberglass cloth and epoxy. Once that initial closure is solid, I will drill a hole into it, and then I plan on pumpng epoxy or polyester (I have both in the shop) into the hole until it flows laterally down the keel and helps plug and reinforce any holes. The mix will depend upon how far it flows. Once I assess the volume I'll need, then I'll decide on that gallon of polyester versus the quart of epoxy as the filler.

I have a box of disposable vinyl gloves, Jerry would be proud ! I'll post a few photos of the operation later today.

Regards,

Paul