Filler material around keel

KB7EWA · #1 (**permalink**) 06-05-2009

What is the proper material for smoothing the transition around an iron keel to a fiberglass hull. This is a Cal 20 in freshwater. I would like to pull the keel bolts to check them but in order to do so I'll have to remove the filler material. It is also coming off in a few places so I was just thinking I'd replace it. I am assuming that Bondo is a no no?
Jim

JimsCAL · #2 (**permalink**) 06-06-2009

I think any hard brittle material will just crack and flake off. I've used 5200 to fill in the joint between my iron keel and the hull and it seems to work fine.

BarryL · #3 (**permalink**) 06-06-2009

Hello,

When I had to fair my keel I used Quicfair from System 3. It's an epoxy based fairing compound that is light weight, easy to apply, and easy to sand.

I bought it from Defender, which is one of my favorite places to buy marine stuff.

http://www.defender.com/product.jsp?path=-1|10918|12626|714831&id=1196400

Barry

GilStump · #4 (**permalink**) 06-06-2009

I am having the same problem. A friend recommended Gflex fro West System. Talked to a guy there, and I'll be going with that.