Keel Boat

Looking Under Your Boat

If your sailboat is a dinghy, you may be able to flip it upside down on shore easily to look at and work on the underside of the hull. You can most easily inspect keelboats on a trailer or other support on dry land — or you can always don a mask and snorkel. The same principles and guidelines apply under the waterline as above the waterline. Pay attention to the following high-load areas:

The attachment point of your foils (keel/centerboard and rudder): Look for small, horizontal cracks that can develop where the lead keel meets the hull or keel stub, or rust stains around the keel bolts. Ask a professional to look at any problem areas.

The steering system: Check the rudder and its attachment points for signs of wear and tear. If you have a wheel, check the quadrant (bracket around the rudder post that connects to the steering cables) and steering cables.

The propeller shaft: If you have an inboard engine, inspect the propeller shaft and its support structure.

Most dinghies and keelboats that are drysailed (stored out of the water when not sailing) are happy with their original gel-coat bottom. If your boat lives in 317: Caring for Your Craft the water, it probably already has anti-fouling bottom paint on it. This stuff inhibits the growth of barnacles and slimy grass. If you’re considering a new coat of anti-fouling bottom paint, check with a local boatyard to find out about any restrictions in your waters. Certain types of these toxic paints are restricted, especially in clean freshwater lakes.

When selecting a bottom paint, consider the manufacturer’s information. Certain types of paints work better for different situations. We like to refer to Practical Sailor for advice on the best materials to use. Another great magazine for the “do-it-yourselfer” is BoatWorks, from the editors of Sail magazine .

Most marinas have divers who scrub the bottom of your boat (and maintain the zinc on the propeller shaft) each month for a reasonable fee (compared to the hassle of donning that dive gear and doing it yourself). Keeping your bottom clean is well worth the investment — a clean bottom is a fast bottom.

About the Author

woodchuck is an up and coming expert on crafts and hobbies. Do you want top Safari Alternative Browsers? You can learn Wood Bowl Turning steps, or you can learn woodworking by going to Carpentry Plans site.

Mike Fink Keel Boats (Magic Kingdom)