westerly warwick

[redtop]

Hi,
I'm new to sailing and have questions. I looked at a 71 Westerly Warwick and there was a crack ( not a gap, just a line) where the keel ballast and keel proper joined. Should this be a concern of water intrusion to the bolts that hold the ballast? The inside of the boat was dry and looked good, including the end of the bolts and the nuts. Is it okay too seal the crack, and if so how? I'll appreciate any responses but it will probably be along time before I'm able to answer any questions.
Thank you
Bob

[TQA]

There is a very active owners association in the UK.

Westerly Owners Association

[JimsCAL]

Not familiar with the constuction details of that boat, but that is a common situation on boats with attached keels.

[redtop]

Thanks for the replys. I had found the association but thought it cost $42 to ask a question. I looked again and found an "email group" there where i could ask my question. It seems like this would be a similar situation on many boats but was wondering if this is a particular problem with 40 year old Westerlys or no real concern.
Thanks again,
Bob

[centaursailor]

Theres a fairly lively Westerly discussion group at Westerly-Owners@yahoogroups.com
I own a 1975 Westerly Centaur and the one I,m certain of is that Westerly built solid dependable boats.
Safe sailing

[Trekka]

Should not be a concern if the inside bolts look good. There is a seam there so not unusual it will be apparent. I used Gluv-It to seal my keels and the seam between them and the glass hull. Painted over. Worked very well.

Westerly's are great boats.
Centaur's... sigh....

[redtop]

Hi Trekka
Thanks for the response, quite reassuring.
Bob