Aluminium sailboat with a leaking keel

Discussion in 'Materials' started by Paul Grogan, Mar 8, 2025.

  1. Paul Grogan
    Joined: Mar 2025
    Posts: 1
    Likes: 0, Points: 1
    Location: Trinidad

    Paul Grogan New Member

    I have a 1986 whisstocks ketch .
    The keel has been incapsulated !.welded closed.
    The keel leeks water and is reacting with the lead shot .to save the vessel I will cut out some repaired patches and dry out and remove the lead .
    My question is what’s the best way to coat the inside to stop water ingress please.
    Any one in a similar situation .my advice is never over patch !.it just traps water.
     
  2. bajansailor
    Joined: Oct 2007
    Posts: 3,784
    Likes: 1,696, Points: 113, Legacy Rep: 37
    Location: Barbados

    bajansailor Marine Surveyor

    Welcome to the Forum Paul.

    I presume that your boat is currently ashore in Trinidad, and water is leaking out?
    Or is she in the water, and water is currently leaking in?
    If she is out of the water, do you have any photos that you can post of the keel to show what condition it is in?
    Re the lead shot in the keel, is it just 'loose', or was it cast in place in resin?
    I would agree generally re 'patching' - it is much better generally to cut out the affected area and weld in a new section of plate, rather than welding a patch over the top.
     
  3. gonzo
    Joined: Aug 2002
    Posts: 17,546
    Likes: 2,058, Points: 123, Legacy Rep: 2031
    Location: Milwaukee, WI

    gonzo Senior Member

    I don't think you can succesfully weld aluminum if there is lead behind it. The lead will melt and mix with the aluminum.
     
    bajansailor likes this.
Loading...
Forum posts represent the experience, opinion, and view of individual users. Boat Design Net does not necessarily endorse nor share the view of each individual post.
When making potentially dangerous or financial decisions, always employ and consult appropriate professionals. Your circumstances or experience may be different.