Im considering buying a yacht that has a crack where the keel
joins the hull. What is the most effective method of repairing this? The boat is of Ply construction

Adrian Bowles, September 2007

Hi. as you havnt given a size i will assume its likely that the boat has run aground at speed. check inside the boat where the back of the keel joins the hull. You may find the frames have been shifted, gaps between the outer ply hull and the frames. they could be cracked. Also check inside the bilge where the bolts hold the keel on. is there salt water leaking in around the bolts? if there is then really the keel should be loosend off and an epoxy filler/adhesive put in before tightening it back up. that is assuming the impact didnt damage the bolts. it may just be the keel has flexed etc with age and not be a worry. hard to tell without seeing it.

steve, December 2007

As a sailor of many years, I really can't recommend you repair a keel unless you can drill, tap and bolt the two halves of the keel together, preferably with a layer of epoxy adhesive sandwiched between the pieces.

I had a 'major chip' (About 5kg) taken out of my boat's keel, and having shotblasted both bits clean and used an araldite-type adhesive, the join had failed within 2 months.

John Smith, December 2007

Try to ascertain what might have caused it to establish the possible extent(s) of the damage. If necessary, so unseen and possibly damaged parts can be inspected, remove the keel and inspect. If all is sound refix the keel filling all the possible cavities with the adhesive/sealant.

Victor, December 2007