J/30 Class Association Forums J/30 Forum The Boat, Sails and Equipment Keel Repair

• Rough up the exposed lead with a wire brush really well.
• Mix up some neat epoxy using the West 105 and the fast hardner.
• use a chip brush and apply the neat epoxy to the exposed lead
• grab a wire brush that you will throw away, then work the neat epoxy into the exposed lead
• let cure, rinse to remove any amine blush, then dry and lightly sand to rough up the epoxy surface so whatever you use will adhere.

This will guarantee that you have a good bond to the lead and won't get flaking or cracks.

You can fair with West Systems epoxy and filler, which will be more durable than Vinyl Ester based resins and will not be as subject to water absorption. The softer fillers are easier to sand, but are more susceptible to damage.

Barrier coat is a must for longevity. Shoot for 10 mil thickness which for me was 4 coats Interprotect 2000e