SAILBOATS

These repairs typically are triggered by groundings - or loose keel nuts. 

Repairs are determined by the type of keel construction.  If it is an external lead keel, and the damage is limited to the lead without the joint being affect, the repairs are relatively minor.   If the keel is cast iron, and the damage is a scraped area, the repairs are superficial.  Internal ballast (inside a laminated hull) requires replacement of laminate. 

If damage is extensive or has affected the keel joint, then the repair is more complex, requiring the lifting of the hull off the keel in order to reseal the joint and retighten the nuts/rods.   If the grounding was severe, the fibreglass surrounding the joint may also experience failure.  This necessitates strengthening of the damage areas prior to re-attaching the keel.  If the boat has grid structures in the keel cavity these areas may also require attention. 

POWER BOATS

Quite often grounding a power boat will result in damage to its running gear and damage to laminate structures.  In these instances the running gear will require removal and repair to shafts and props etc. with general fibreglass repairs as needed. 

Some typical keel repair pictures are included in the photo gallery.