Is it necessary to repaint the keel of a beneteau when you run aground?

Question

The boat hit and got stuck on a sandbank and I'm sure it knocked some paint off and did a bit of damage.

What happens if you don't repair it, does it rust? I've no idea what it's made from.

Do you think it will have to be taken out of the dock, as this costs £100 and that's a lot.

Answer 1

It's a very good idea to do it. In the long run you'll probably spend a lot more if you don't deal with it.

It's a fiberglass boat and you DEFINITELY want to at least have someone qualified to see if you did any damage to the glass.

Once the gel coat is compromised and the glass is exposed you have to deal with it.

If you crushed the glass, you have to deal with it.

You do not want to allow salt water to infiltrate the glass. It can travel very far away from the point of impact and create some problems that can cost a fortune to fix.

Spend a little now to save a lot later.

Sorry, but I've seen this way too many times.

Answer 2

If it was sand and no rocks you probably got lucky.  You might grab some goggles and dive under and check it out.  In the old days when the pirates had to repair the hull they would run up close to shore during high tide and wait for the tide to drop.  Tieing the boat to trees will keep it from rocking back and forth.  Then you just have to patch and paint quickly before the tide comes in.  If it's a smaller one you might be able to slip a tarp under it and bring it up around it, pump the water out around the boat and then do the repairs in a cramped setting ... if you can find a tarp big enough and strong enough.  We used to pull ours out about every three years to scrape the barnacles and primer and paint.

Most of the keels are going to be solid steel and possibly filled with lead for max weight.  As long as it doesn't puncture and lose water integrity I would think it's ok ...  but I would still slip under and check it out.  

Peace ... mateys

Answer 3

Sailboats run aground on sandbars regularly.  You didn't mention the boat floundering or listing with sea coming aboard.  Nor did you mention the boat being dragged on the side of the hull to get her off.  If that's not the case and you've had the boat in the water for more than two  sailing seasons you probably did the bottom of the keel a favor and scraped off some of the anemones and other hangers-on that have been riding underneath. I'd only pull the boat if I had good reason to suspect hard damage or it was due for  new paint.  Try sailnet.com: there are folks on the maintenance forum who'll offer you some concrete solutions given precise circumstances.

Answer 4

I totally agree with Mr. No Name...

Only, I would certainly go for a swim first, and take a look myself...

I don't know where you are, so I don't know how clear the water is... but usually you can see, if not see and feel the damage...

Who knows, you may have really lucked out... I have run over a few things in my time as well, and a few times  - where I thought there was going to be major damage, there was none.

If you don't feel qualified to tell what kind of damage there is, get someone you trust who does, and ask them to check it out for you.  I certainly would... but if you can't see it, and or if it doesn't feel "perfectly smooth" all over and under... I would then have her hauled out. The Beneteau is a nice boat... so you want to make sure you are taking good care of her.

Good luck!