Rusty bilge/keel area

[idpnd]

I am planning a refit on a 46 foot ketch. The major issue are the badly accessible keel areas. These are about 1.20 metres deep and quite wide in the middle - narrowing down towards the stern. I have already kissed the interior goodbye and am now wondering how to sandblast down there.

I have seen people cutting "doors" into the hull before to get in from the outside / shovel sand out. I don't think abrasive/chemical treatment would suffice, plus that's not really the longevity I am hoping for.

Any ideas?

Thanks for your attention,

Max

[welder/fitter]

Max,
Looks like you've got your work cut out for you. I think you've answered your own question, however, cut some access holes. I'd suggest that to do a thorough job, however, you'll need to completely gut the surrounding area. I suppose any area that you can access for blasting, is accessible with a shop vac, as well, though it'll be a massive job of hauling sand. Just guessing by the photos, but you may want to replace some metal, as well. Best of luck with the job!
Mike

[idpnd]

Thanks very much for your kind words and advice..

[pengreg]

Is that the shaft we are looking at? The stern gland fitting would concern me more, I would try and remove it. How are you adjusting it?. It looks bronze to me and is likely to be the cause of all that rust, both galvanically and by allowing in too much seawater from no adjustment.

By all means cut a hole but find out what is below, my diesel tanks were under there, or could be ballast.

With the shaft out the way spend an hour or two with a chipping hammer before you start blasting away. very therapeutic and you may find things look worse than they are.

luck!

[idpnd]

Is that the shaft we are looking at? The stern gland fitting would concern me more, I would try and remove it. How are you adjusting it?. It looks bronze to me and is likely to be the cause of all that rust, both galvanically and by allowing in too much seawater from no adjustment.

It's not actually the stern gland (that's a through-hull in the bilge) but it certainly is a gland and there are more..

With the shaft out the way spend an hour or two with a chipping hammer before you start blasting away. very therapeutic and you may find things look worse than they are.

Therapeutic! Hehe! Well spoken sir. Thanks for your time.