PDA

View Full Version : Attaching False Keel


Ron Hotchin
05-01-2002, 05:35 PM
My Catbird 16 is coming along well - the centerboard trunk is in and the hull is glassed. I'm Ready to attach the false keel, a 1"x6" piece of white oak with a small skeg. I'm going to use stainless steel screws through the hull and 3M 4200 as a bedding compound so it can be removed if need be. Would it be better to paint the hull before installing the keel, or should I install it and then paint? I'm tending toward painting first to provide some protection to the bare fibreglass under the keel, but any advice would be welcome. Thanks.
Alan Peck
05-01-2002, 06:21 PM
I'm no expert, but its my understanding that stainless steel is not a good idea imbeded in wood below the water line. I think silicon bronze bolts are recommended instead.

Perhaps others have info on this subject.
Alan Peck
05-01-2002, 06:25 PM
oops! I said bolts but I meant screws. I used silicon bronze screws and 3M 4200 to attach the false keel to my runabout. I glassed the hull before attaching the false keel so that the keel could be removed in the future. Also the glass does not like sharp corners. Seemed to work well, but only time will tell.
reddog
05-01-2002, 06:26 PM
Ron;
Hi "neighbour".My first thought was to paint first and then bed and screw on the keel.Upon second thought I think I would bed and fasten the keel,clean off the excess bedding compound and paint the works.Either way would probably work if the hull is glassed over.
How's that for vague?OK,bed,fasten paint.
All the best:Earl
Bruce Hooke
05-02-2002, 11:31 AM
What do the instuctions on the 4200 say? I'd guess that they might say prime first but don't paint...
Ron Hotchin
05-09-2002, 05:13 PM
Unfortunately the instructions aren't very helpful. Basically they say to make sure the surfaces aren't contaminated with grease, etc. Then they say there is no specific warranty and it's each user's responsibility to ensure the product is suitable for the user's intended purpose. I think I'll probably put on a couple of primer coats and then bed the keel down. Ron
reddog
05-10-2002, 05:23 PM
Ron;
I think that will work out fine.Let us know how she turns out.
Earl