I have a alloy yacht. The keel is fill of concrete. (didnt know this when I bought it.) The yacht is 30 years old and has developed cracks in the keel area close to origional welds. Concrete has obsorbed water and is not helpful for welding. My options appear to be to cut out sufficient area to get behind and remove concrete behind welds or cut off keel and rebuild without concrete. I am worried about joining new alloy to old. I would appreciate any advise.
- Thread starter awatui
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Jim_gsxr1000
Mechanical Magician
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Id remove the concrete and replace with lead, removing the keel and re weldig shouldent be a problem, most definately a job for TIG
500e
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Concrete ballast was very popular may be still is, been out of boats for 15 years (other expensive hobby's).
Even all concrete hulls easy'ish repair in out of way places was part of the reason
Surprised you did not know? a cursory survey would have found it, as for Alloy hull the French seem to be big users of alloy for boat hulls, the bonding, galvanic action of these hulls is a minefield.
What caused the crack ? Accident, Fatigue, damaged ballast.
Are the cracks in the keel or hull, is the keel removable.
You really require expert help, with a 30 ft boat you are going to sail of shore so safety is real important.
Is it a self build hull or proprietary manufacturers ? if later & they still exist talk to them first.
Even all concrete hulls easy'ish repair in out of way places was part of the reason
Surprised you did not know? a cursory survey would have found it, as for Alloy hull the French seem to be big users of alloy for boat hulls, the bonding, galvanic action of these hulls is a minefield.
What caused the crack ? Accident, Fatigue, damaged ballast.
Are the cracks in the keel or hull, is the keel removable.
You really require expert help, with a 30 ft boat you are going to sail of shore so safety is real important.
Is it a self build hull or proprietary manufacturers ? if later & they still exist talk to them first.
Thank you for your input. I purchased the boat from a deceased estate. There was no access to keel area and drilling holes for survey is not a starter. I dont know what has caused the cracks. The boat was professionally built but the builder is long gone. sounds like I am going to have to cut the keel off as its not removable. Should keep me busy for the winter.
