split down the keel

I was given a boat (Sunray V-150) same as Glasstron GT-150 it needs a-lot of work but I have rebuilt a transom and floor before no big deal! What bothers me is a split right up the keel- like it was dropped. Can I sandwich this break between multiple layers of cloth inside and out or will it always be a weak spot and not worth fixing. I have passed up dozens of projects before but this little boat just has a neet look to it and I can't convince myself to give it up. Any suggestions would be much appreciated.

 

First establish whether it is just the gel-coat that is cracked, then you might want to contact a professional boat-builder for an opinion. If you do decide to do it (and the laminate is cracked), you'll have to cut back a lot of GRP (almost all at the keel) to get a good repair. Some Kevlar might not go a miss as well. Can you post a few pictures and we can give you a better idea.

Good Luck,

Tim B.

 

It is cracked all the way thru, I will try to get some pics and post. I assume GRP is fiberglass? There is kevlar in this boat? Thanks for the quick reply!

 

Im a believer everything is repairable someone the question is at what cost?

If that was my baby, I would repair from both sizes (inside and out). Either way it will need a lot of prep work. Don't forgot scarf joints should be a minimum length of 15 x hull thickness. Hope you like grinding for days on end.

 

I may get blasted for saying this, but for something that size, I'm thinking that a belt sander could be the way to go.....

 

The belt sander may work, but you will pay the price of having to buy another one in a short amount of time. Electric tools will not survive in that environment due to the fiberglass dust getting into the motor. You should always use air tools.

 

http://www2.northerntool.com/product/22264_22264.htm

 

Hey Toot, thanks for the link. I have an electric version of that sander. I didn't know they made one for air.

 

Drills with a wire brush on work fairly well. This is going to be a very long job, though. You may have to disassemble a good part of the boat to get to the keel in places.

Tim B

 

I would suggest doing the 12/15 to one scarf grind on the outside first if it is still in the correct shape. Grind about 1/2 of the way thru then rebuild with successive layers of ever increasing widths of 10 oz cloth. Doing it this way will maintain the configuration of the keel when you grind & rebuild the inside of the keel line. Worry about refinishing the outside till you are done with the inside. You may encounter ribs or buried wood as you do the inside but the finished product will be fine. DO NOT CHEAT ON THE SCARF, it is essential to the strength of the repair.