FBB KEEL BAND REPAIR - TOP TIPS!
1. Use a suitable length of wood as a brace between the rowlocks. This will help reduce the flexing of the hull and possible cracking of your gunwale.
2. Place old rubber tyres at the bow and stern and suitable lengths of wood on the ground amidships to take the weight of the hull.
3. Turn your FBB UPSIDE DOWN! - Best advice is to get four persons as the boat is heavy and turn it over reasonably quickly.
4. Measure the lengths of steel needed from the old bands on the keel.
5. Obtain suitable lengths of 30mm GALVANISED flat steel or STAINLESS STEEL- try Builders Merchants or online.
https://www.metals4u.co.uk/
6. Remove the old bands by unscrewing the rusty screws. Don't be afraid to get 'tough' in this process. Try using the claws of a carpenters hammer to prise them off!
7. Clean/repair the hull under the bands and prime/paint as required.
8. Cut the steel to the required lengths and use a grinder to smooth off the rough edges.
9. Use the original rusty bands as a template to mark and drill the new screw holes. If you are drilling SS then apply oil to the drill bit regularly.
10. Fix new galvanised bands to the keel using STAINLESS STEEL SCREWS! If the screws protrude through into the hull simply grind the ends off and cover with silicone.
11. Paint the bottom of the hull ready for the water.
12. Reverse the process with four people to get the boat upright.
GOOD LUCK!
2. Place old rubber tyres at the bow and stern and suitable lengths of wood on the ground amidships to take the weight of the hull.
3. Turn your FBB UPSIDE DOWN! - Best advice is to get four persons as the boat is heavy and turn it over reasonably quickly.
4. Measure the lengths of steel needed from the old bands on the keel.
5. Obtain suitable lengths of 30mm GALVANISED flat steel or STAINLESS STEEL- try Builders Merchants or online.
https://www.metals4u.co.uk/
6. Remove the old bands by unscrewing the rusty screws. Don't be afraid to get 'tough' in this process. Try using the claws of a carpenters hammer to prise them off!
7. Clean/repair the hull under the bands and prime/paint as required.
8. Cut the steel to the required lengths and use a grinder to smooth off the rough edges.
9. Use the original rusty bands as a template to mark and drill the new screw holes. If you are drilling SS then apply oil to the drill bit regularly.
10. Fix new galvanised bands to the keel using STAINLESS STEEL SCREWS! If the screws protrude through into the hull simply grind the ends off and cover with silicone.
11. Paint the bottom of the hull ready for the water.
12. Reverse the process with four people to get the boat upright.
GOOD LUCK!