Anybody have any ideas what I need to do to get bottom paint to stick to this keel? I'll be hauling my new-to-me Freedom 30 for the first time this spring. Currently thinking about stripping the keel down to bare lead (which doesn't seem to go all the way up?) and coating with epoxy before repainting, but I'd be happy to hear what others think...
Even epoxy won't stick well on bare lead. Bare lead needs a special primer first. Then you can build up your layers of paint. If you want a super slick and smooth racing keel, start with epoxy (after the lead primer of course). Otherwise, paint it with suitable primer / pre-coat and then bottom paint.
Michel Capel, Freedom 44 #4 1981 'Alabama Queen', NED8188, cat ketch with wishbones, home port Enkhuizen, the Netherlands, 52*42.238'N 005*18.154'E.