Author Topic:   Damaged keel 12vman JuniorMember posted May 17, 2003 10:49 PM             I recently purchased a C&L 16. Everything seems to be in pretty good shape, but the keel looks pretty badly damaged. It looks like the fiberglass coating has chipped and peeled away from the wood beneath. This looks like a problem only along the rear portion of the keel. Someone told me that it could be repaired, but I'm not sure where to begin. Does anyone have any advice - short of cutting out/purchasing a new keel? Thanks Tom D CL16 Member posted May 19, 2003 01:06 PM             Remove the centerboard. This may require (will)require the moving boat off the trailer. I use a saw horse for the stern and left the bow on the boat. Sand the area around the damage. Clear out any bad wood. Mix up some epoxy and add filler. I use wood dust from my sander or even sawdust. Sawdust will require much more sanding later. Slobber the very thick misture (peanut butter) into the bad spots and shape as close as possible to original shape. This will set up in a few minutes. It may take some playing with until it sets. Sand the hardened epoxy patch to match the original shape. I then put a layer of glass cloth over the edge. I did this to both the leading and trailing edge of my centerboard. I painted it and you can't tell it was repaired. DO NOT forget the rubber washers when replacing the centerboard or get new ones. Tom D.

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