Drying out keel

[downeaster]

Hi all, newer Commander owner (1964, hull number unknown). This forum and the manual have been very helpful as I get to know our boat.

Now for a question: we had the boat hauled a few weeks ago for the end of the season and there continues to be weeping from the front bottom of the keel. I’ve read the discussions and manual about water in the keel and it may need some further work in the spring. For now, though, I’m worried about the water freezing in there this winter. As the seeping appears to be from the front of the keel, would you drill a drainage hole toward the front where the ballast is, or stick with the standard recommendations of aft toward the rudder? Just looking to dry things out at this point.

Thanks for any thoughts.

[ebb]

I have an Ariel. Have too much input here not specific to Commander.
If you have access to your bilge inside, locate the ballast. See if you have
any standing water in your bilge. My Ariel had the ballast completely
exposed and not encapsulated. BUT no access to the chamber the ballast
had been lowered into when the boat was assembled. My ballast was
'encapsulated' by Pearson with fiberglass matt, not cloth or roving!

In the Ariel, I drilled 1/2" holes into the lowest point of the boat from the
outside (to make it easier to plug later on). In your case you just want
the water out. Of course if it's salt water it may not be a freeze problem
unless you're in Alaska.

Water collected in front of the keel may indicate your keel is glassed well
enough to not let water into the ballast keel cavity. I would NOT assume
that, but would assume the cavity was not encapsulated well enough to
keep water from seeping in. Assume that polyester plastic laminate will
allow water through.

If you are only interested in draining, you could just add a few more holes
that you can easily fill in the spring.
The keel cavity on my Ariel took more than 5 gallons of epoxy to fill. And
since filling with a viscous liquid thru little holes is not science, the Ariel
may still have voids in there. I also believe I found wood shim material
left in the ballast cavity by Pearson.. when drilling holes.

If you are not going to try filling the cavity, You could install bronze
screw-in fittings in the hull that can be opened to drain when you haul
out in the fall. Many owners have done that. Suggest you search for
bronze, not brass or stainless steel, may be difficult! Best.