19
Use a razor to cut only the
very end of the tip
of the Polyurethane Sealant tube. Insert a metal rod to pierce the inner foil
seal several times. Practice distributing a layer of sealant on a scrap of cardboard. When you want to stop, release the
pressure on the caulking gun or the material will continue to flow. Pump caulk into the outline of the Keel Mount Shoe on
the hull. Use a bent wire to get it into areas you can’t reach with the caulking tube.
Important
to get the sealant completely around the grooved part of the two acrylic tubes. This will form a seal between the
tubes and the hull so the Keel Mount will not leak. Remove the rubber band or tape supporting the Shoe.
I flipped over the hull for clarity. You can do this with the Keel in the Keel Box as long as there is room for the sticks and
clamp between the box top and the Hull. Paint stick or two rulers are clamped on the flat part of the Keel. The two sticks
should be approximately centered on the hole for the rudder shaft. If not, the Keel holes can be adjusted to align before
sealing the Keel Mount.
Holding the drill as straight as possible at a slower speed, drill into the marked points. The chuck of your drill will probably
be touching the side of the hull during this. Pull out the bit 2 or 3 times during drilling to clear debris. Stop just when the
rubber hose Depth Gauge touches the shelf. Repeat for 6 holes. Reinstall the Crossmember, Washers, Nuts and tighten the
Nuts moderately tight. (Using half the length of the wrench.) Install the six Crossmember mounting screws. Lift the Keel
Mount Shoe and support with tape or a rubber band as shown.
Advanced:
A good time for that final alignment check of the
keel to the rudder shaft.
