GP14 Keel Band Re-sealing | Skismo had a leak

I was getting a lot of water into the bow buoyancy tank after each sail. After determining where it must be coming from I set about fixing it. I removed the front keel section of keel band, assessed the fixing holes, cleaned it all up and re-fixed the keel band, sealing the fixing holes in the process. It was a success, now no water gets in no matter how long the boat is on the water.

[@sailingspark9748]

Nice easy fix. My series one has a broken rib between the centreboard case and the stern. I think the trailer broke it as snapped in the same place on each side. I have to get off my ass to pull it out and replace it, but I have been (understandably) dragging my feet on the project.

[@sailingskismo]

Thanks for watching :) I also have a wooden GP14 which sometimes ago I had to take the centreboard casing out to deal with rot at the bottom. I’ve been dragging my feet with that task for about 10 years!

[@peterbarnes8737]

The problem with keel bands, is the differing expansion and contraction between the band and boat. I believe none of the screws should go through to the interior of the boat, as the expansion will always loosen the screws over time and cause leaks.

[@fat_tommo_goes_boating]

You could have drilled another hole to let the water back out 🫣

[@chrislee7817]

Think I would have taken a different approach. I would have drilled out to 10mm and filled with thickened epoxy. Then screw into that.

[@sailingskismo]

I very well may end up doing that with the one where I used a bolt. With the other holes I tested for 'grip' with new stainless screws beforehand so I knew I could get a good purchase when I screwed the keel band back on. :)