Keel Paint/Protection

[JP Irie]

OK- A question for the forum- I am used to dealing with trailer boats, and now am completing a Wittholz cat boat that will sit on a mooring- The keel is currently bare, and fairly dried out- I am completing a project started years ago by someone else. I live in North Carolina and worms are a problem here-

What is the best way to protect the keel- all suggestions appreciated!

Thanks!

[nedL]

I'd say add a worm shoe (1"x width of keel piece of expendable lumber that is nailed to the bottom side of the keel). Don't forget to put a layer of roofing felt (tar paper) between the worm show & the keel. Then keep good antifouling paint on the bottom & keel.

[Elco's]

The absolute best way is to copper sheath the keel. Second is a propper worm shoe. Worms enter anywhere that bottom paint is lacking.