BALLAST AND KEEL FIN TRIAL ASSEMBLY

  1. Sand the lead ballast and the keel fin to remove casting and die marks before assembly. Trial-assemble the bulb and fin using the two "large screws" that are ½" long.
NOTE: The aft keel screw may not "bite-in" to the plastic keel fin. The front screw and the epoxy of the next step adequately secure the assembly. Check that the axis of the lead ballast is perpendicular to the shaft in the keel fin.

DO NOT MIX THE EPOXY YET. We are trial fitting for now.
If you wish you can take a drill the aft screw hole a little deeper to allow more bit into the fin.

KEEL TRUNK REINFORCEMENT This is very important.

Plan to use a generous fillet of thickened epoxy inside the boat around the front and back of the keel trunk. Carefully prepare the fillet area on the hull by cleaning with a solvent before and after thoroughly sanding the hull surface.
(Alcohol is an effective solvent.) The fillet strengthens the trunk-to-hull area to prevent cracks and leaks during normal usage and handling.
DO NOT MIX THE EPOXY YET.

BACK     NEXT PAGE