Reply To: Keel protection options

Hi, many thanks for the replies, some interesting ideas to think about, my original thought was ¾ oak cut to shape and bonded with polyester resin, but thinking of your suggestions above my new thinking may be to cut 5/8 birch plywood to shape and glass completely over with a few extra layers to the underside, they then could be bonded to the hulls with polyester resin, every spring they can be monitored for wear or damage and be repaired when the hulls are checked and anti-fowling applied.

My experience with sikaflex as a bonding agent to hold materials in place when immersed underwater have been very poor, but yes agree it’s good for specific tasks.

Dave steel or stainless shoes would be the preferred option but l`m very reluctant to fix these through the hull, unless other options may still be available.

Garry