CD 28 water in keel?

Balestrand · Post by **Balestrand** » Jul 7th, '13, 16:25

Hi, Everyone-

With the kids getting bigger, I am looking to trade from my much beloved Typhoon (#465) to a CD 28. I'm looking at a 1976 boat that has been out of the water for 2 years, and there are pinhole leaks of water in a couple of places at the bottom of the keel.

There are no visible bubbling spots on the hull. The deck is soft around the rudder post in the cockpit, but the rest of the deck is solid.

Question: could this water leaking from the keel be indicative of a large problem?

Many thanks,
Robert
Typhoon "Balestrand," Penobscot Bay, Maine

Russell · Post by **Russell** » Jul 7th, '13, 17:15

Are the leaks definately coming from the keel? Not the rudder?

2 years out of the water it would be pretty strange for blisters to still be weeping. Though I guess it could still be blisters, and I know you said you couldnt see any, it does not take long out of the water for blisters to go flat and be nearly invisible (a quick run with a sander and 60 or 80 grit and they will be staring you in the face though).

My bet is blisters, which is a much more minor problem then many people (and especially boatyards trying to make a buck) make them out to be. Odd that they are still weeping after all this time, but if they were never "popped" I guess its possible.

Steve Laume · Post by **Steve Laume** » Jul 7th, '13, 19:09

I would take a really close look at the bilge to see if there are any cracks. A boat sitting on the hard, unattended in a cold climate could have suffered some freeze damage that would have let water into the keel area. It would be interesting to drill a small hole where the weeping is taking place to see what comes out. If you don't own the boat this might not be possible but the owner may go for it.

I would check the bilge first, Steve.

Jerry Hammernik · Post by **Jerry Hammernik** » Jul 7th, '13, 23:45

I just did a repair on this on my 28. I had the same issue years ago on my 25. Where the two sides of the keel come down just ahead of the rudder there is a void space. Not sure if they all have this but both my Cape Dory's did. It apparently gets moisture either by migration from the bilge or by condensation.

I drilled a hole in the keel and water ran out. The 25 I had fixed by a good shop but this time I did it myself. I drilled holes in a couple places and then used a shop vac to draw any remaining moisture out. I did this a couple of times over several days. I then filled the void space with thickened epoxy and did a beveled fiberglass patch over the area. Sand and paint. I based my repair on what the pros did on the 25. I just did the work on the 28 this spring so I will see if I resolved the problem when I haul in fall. I'd been watching the weeping each year since 1998 and finally decided to do something about it. I don't see this a deal breaker. That assumes your issue is the same as mine. Check out all the other suggestions but consider this a possibility.

Let me know if I can provide any more info.

Balestrand · Post by **Balestrand** » Aug 18th, '13, 19:13

Thank you all for the replies!

I found the perfect solution for that keel moisture: actually found a different CD 28, one that has been out of the water for ten years. I'm closing in on the deal, and my first order of business will be to get a barrier coat on. Along the way, I will certainly be curious about the potential void space at the rear of the keel.

We sold the Typhoon. (Time to change my signature below.) Very sad to see her go, but at least she is staying in the same harbor.

I suppose my next post will be about specific concerns one might have with a CD 28 & Volvo diesel that have not been used for 10 years...

Many thanks,
Robert
formerly Typhoon "Balestrand"

Jerry Hammernik · Post by **Jerry Hammernik** » Aug 18th, '13, 19:34

Robert,
Has the engine been run at all in the last 10 years? If it was mine, I would have two different plans for it, depending on the if it had been run at all in 10 years or just not used until the pre purchase "survey".

I'm thinking you wouldn't have bought it if you didn't know the engine was not able to be run. But let us know more details. Including Volvo Model, transmission, prop, etc.

One thing you won't lack for from this board is opinions.

Ron M. · Post by **Ron M.** » Aug 19th, '13, 08:20

Also suggest a survey and a thorough going over deck /cabintop with moisture meter and mallet. especially grab rail area above ports and foredeck, you already mentioned cockpit sole is suspect. good luck

Balestrand · Post by **Balestrand** » Feb 8th, '14, 17:01

Just an update to let everyone know that the diesel (photo attached) ended up running wonderfully and the survey was good, so I am the proud owner of CD 28 hull #57, which has been previously named Sea Pearl and Looney Tunes and has, it seems, spent most her life in Maine. I have a feeling that spring will find me a constant poster here on the board.
Thanks,
Robert

Maine_Buzzard · Post by **Maine_Buzzard** » Feb 8th, '14, 20:14

Looks like a "rust-proofed" MD-11. A good scrubbing with Simple Green and some wiping down will do wonders. Hey, it's freshwater cooled, so that will help it to last. I have a starter and alternator left over from my MD-7, along with some other stuff. Will PM.

Are those garden hose water lines?? Perhaps they need a replacement plan.

The persistent and effusive application of money can address many problems...

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CD 28 water in keel?

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