Sarabande's keel getting stripped and naked...

[Truckmen]

Hello all,

Yes, it's true, I'm stripping and laying bare, the iron ballast keel of Sarabande - Thought I'd share some photos of the on-going work.

http://3me.com/sarabande/images/04_s0077.JPG

The rust is 1/4 inch thick in places. I have developed a strategy of first wacking the rust with a hand sledge, then attacking it with a pick hammer normally used for auto body, (one of my former professions). I then follow up with a needle gun borrowed from Maine Maritime Academy's training ship State of Maine (like the plug?).
This is taking approximately 35 hours for the whole job.

I've been told of a system involving immersing the entire keel in an electolytic bath. But I have my doubts about it. Has anyone tried such a method?

I have decided to prime the newly exposed surface since I won't be getting back to the keel for a few years probably while doing other work on the 'ol gal. When I DO get back to it, I will most likel sandblast the entire surface once over and then ask you all what would be the best coating for the raw cast iron.

http://3me.com/sarabande/images/04_s0092.JPG

Also, can anyone see in the photos those indentations along the surface, and tell me what they think has caused that? Is that from corrosion, and if so, why such strange patterns?

Oh, one more thing - On the underside of the keel, there are square areas (1.5" square) which looks to be lead. Is this correct? Would lead be used here? I am sure that these are the keel bolts.
http://3me.com/sarabande/images/04_s0080.JPG

Ralph M. Bohm

[Meerkat]

http://3me.com/sarabande/images/04_s0092.JPG
The pitting or cratering in this picture is caused by reaction of seawater with local impurities in the iron from it's casting. At least, that's always the way I've heard it described.

[Joe Dupere]

They look like dings from a hand sledge to me!!
Probably from the last time the keel was stripped!
:D

Joe

[SC-Lion]

Nice work. I would agree with Meerkat. I was told such indentations are caused by galvanic action, usually between the impurities in the iron itself. My ballast was similarly pitted.

I would consider using a light rust converter before you prime and then following up with some cheap paint if it’s going to be a few years before you get back to it. It would add very little effort now and give you a much better chance of not having to go through a lot of work when you’re ready to get back to it. Iron will rust through most primer if it isn’t over coated.

My experience is limited but I’ve always seen cement used to cover the keel bolts. I guess lead would work but I’m not sure how they wound have poured it.

-Gary

[Truckmen]

Originally posted by Joe Dupere:
They look like dings from a hand sledge to me!!
Probably from the last time the keel was stripped!
:D

JoeCould be. I see you're in Orono!?! :eek:
I was living there for a few years until I moved last summer, to Castine (ME). We've got to hook up. Sarabande is in Glenburn.

[Truckmen]

Originally posted by SC-Lion:
Nice work...
...I would consider using a light rust converter before you prime and then following up with some cheap paint if it’s going to be a few years before you get back to it. It would add very little effort now and give you a much better chance of not having to go through a lot of work when you’re ready to get back to it. Iron will rust through most primer if it isn’t over coated.

My experience is limited but I’ve always seen cement used to cover the keel bolts. I guess lead would work but I’m not sure how they wound have poured it.

-GaryThank you for the tip and info. :)