[matt2]

I have purchased "The Fiberglass Boat Repair Manual" by Allan Vaitses.

It has a section on page 132 about dropping the keel.

Actually it can be seen in a book preview by searching google for "dropping a fin keel" at www . books . google . com!

The book is very good, and the author suggests either using:

1. A bedding compound (5200) on the bolts and between the keel and stub,
OR
2. Waxing the bolts and one of the surfaces (top of keel or bottom of stub) for easy removal and then using a "keel putty" of filled resin.

A "keel putty" is I think an epoxy putty like Marine-Tex. I am not sure but I guess this is probably epoxy with microballoons mixed to something like peanut butter like consistency. Anyone know if this is correct?

The author does not mention anything about fairing in either scenario. Nor does the author make any suggestions on exactly how to drop the keel.

Anyway making some progress and it looks like it comes down to a choice.
5200 or keel putty.

I saw one keel crack fixed and the shipwright there used a brown resin paste.
Which I guess is the keel putty. In that case he did not apply any wax or release agent though. Seems that if a release agent is used without any sealant at all then you would have a problem should the hairline crack reappear? Any comments.

Unfortunately, although the Goudgen Brothers book is very good, there is nothing I could see on dropping fin keels.

Still waiting on a few more books on the subject. Any further comments would be greatly appreciated.