tfrei

I started this thread and thought I would provide a follow-up to the original post. After a little bit of work, I was able to get the boat off of the trailer and up on its side in my garage. From there I was able to inspect the keel strip more closely. With nothing more than rough sandpaper, I was able to remove the damaged wood with little work. What I ended up with was the original keel mostly intact except for the front third whose edges were a tad more rounded. Since the damage didn't seem that significant and since summer will be here and gone quickly where I boat in northern Minnesota, I decided not to replace or scarf in a new section. Instead, I decided to layer on wood flour fortified epoxy in some of the most damaged areas. After this had set up, I also put a coat of carbon powder infused epoxy over the whole keel area. I also patched over two rectangles where the paint had been rubbed off a little ( from the trailer? I don't know.) with the same carbon epoxy paint. The carbon epoxy idea I got from reading something on duckworks. A lot of people swear by the stuff. I'm attaching pictures in the next post. You will see a rather ugly job since this is the first time I've worked with epoxy in this type of application. Drips are everywhere. Next time, I will. be more careful and use tape and newspaper to cover areas I want to keep clean. I'm going to see how this repair holds up over the summer and then possibly repaint the whole bottom this fall. Thanks for all your help.

Thank you everybody. It really is the keel that has failed in one or two spots. I think I am going to turn it over and see whether I can fill in the damaged areas with thickened epoxy, etc. If a small section is really bad, is it acceptable to just cut it out and put in a new piece (with plenty of epoxy) ?

Thanks Steve. This was the kind of advice I was looking for. I wonder whether what I am seeing is the "sacrificial keel" being beat up. The damaged portion really is the keel-like part of the bottom of the boat. How would one go about adding a sacrificial keel?

Hi, I have a used CS 17. In great shape over all, but the bottom looks a little roughed up. Looking for repair advice? 1) sand smooth and layer with epoxy/paint? 2) sand smooth and layer with epoxy/fiberglass/paint? 3) some other approach? I uploaded a couple of pictures for reference. Thanks in advance for your help. -Tom

Hi, I have a used CS 17. In great shape over all, but the bottom looks a little roughed up. Looking for repair advice? 1) sand smooth and layer with epoxy/paint? 2) sand smooth and layer with epoxy/fiberglass/paint? 3) some other approach? I uploaded a couple of pictures for reference. Thanks in advance for your help. -Tom

I'm not sure Sukie still follows this forum. I revived the thread because I had just bought the boat that she built and wanted to make a connection with the owner. [ I have by the way.] And yes, I think JRich has it right about the helper on the boat. The boat really is in great shape and ready to go --a testament to the fine workmanship of the builder. I plan on installing sail tracks on the masts and either converting the old sails or buying new ones. Other than that, the boat is ready for spring.

Just for the record, I am now the owner of the boat. I think I am the 3rd owner. I am very pleased with so far --although I haven't yet got it into the water. But the workmanship looks good and it is holding up well now in 2015. Would like to thank the original builder of this boat. Thank you! The boat now makes its home in Minnesota --a long way from New Hampshire. If anyone else has background information on this boat, let me know.