Yacht Keel Corrosion Repair Southampton

Symblast was asked if they could repair this old yacht keel in Kemps Quay Marina, Southampton. The keel had severe electrolytic corrosion, so we used grit blasting to remove all the rust and corrosion damage. As you can see in the before images below, the damage was pretty severe and unfortunately, due to the age of the boat, a new keel wasn’t an option, as they don’t make them anymore! 

Was this yacht condemned? 

No, Symblast had the perfect solution – to rebuild the old keel.  

Once the keel was completely clean and dry, we started rebuilding it using solvent-free epoxy filler, which was done over a 3-day period, allowing for each layer to harden. We finally bladed it smooth with solvent-free epoxy to the quality you can clearly see in the finished keel images below. 

If your boat keel suffers from corrosion or needs antifoul removal, contact Symblast today. 

Symblast were appointed to remove many layers of antifoul which had been applied on a Contessa yacht. The build up over the years required sensitive removal so as not to damage the fibreglass of the hull. You can see from the images the care we take to protect the environment in which we are working. The whole hull was peeled removing the many years of antifoul layers in readiness for an application of a fresh layer.

Symblast were appointed to assist in the refurbishment of a 1970’s classic car, a Triumph Spitfire. The restorer needed to remove all paint and existing finishes to inspect the vehicle and identify any repairs before treating and painting.

Sandblasting is a better alternative to acid dipping because with acid dipping it may not be possible to wash out all the acid from hard to reach places. In addition by washing, you are adding water to a bare metal surface therby potentially introducing rust.

Symblast are experienced in preparing classic cars for rework.

Symblast was appointed as contractors to work on a large metal sculpture as part of the Sculpture by the Lakes exhibition . The large metal sculpture was formed by milling. As part of the process a scale is created called “mill scale” which coats the surface. A feature of the exhibit was its changing patina cause by the environment. The presence of mill scale would prevent this from happening. Symblast used sand blasting to sensitively remove the mill scale and enabled it to show its patina as intended by the artist.