[Public-List] Adding weight to the keel and other things

[Len Payne]

Good Morning, All,
I have been considering how to add weight to an under-weight keel.
One of the things I have been thinking about is stripping the glass from the keel in an area just above (3 or 4 inches) the bottom of the keel and nearly the full length of the keel in that area. Then, by drilling and tapping 2 1/2" holes into the keel, through lead plates, to hold the plates to the keel on both sides. The plates would be 24" x 6" x 1", three on each side - laid lengthwise - end to end, would total about 1/2 cuft of lead (about 350#, 1 cuft = 708#). Each plate would weigh just under 60#, so would be a manageable weight. The plates would be faired according to it's position on the keel and would be bolted to the side of the keel, epoxied in place, and glassed in to become an integral part of the keel. This would add nothing to the draft and would only a 2" to the width of the keel. The additional 300-350# would be no more than that of a large passenger, or a big skipper and beer, so it should not affect the way the boat rides in relation to the waterline. Further, being 3-1/2' below the waterline, spread out along the keel length, fairly 'centered' relative to the center of gravity, the trim should not be significantly affected - certainly no more than a 40gal water tank under the V-berth (330# plus, above the waterline, very far forward). The additional "Righting Moment" of 300-350#, 3-1/2 feet below the waterline would, certainly, not be negligible.
If one were about to strip the hull because of the need for a barrier-coat, how much additional work would it be to remove the glass down to bare iron (if the keel is cast) or attaching the plates to the outer skin of the keel and through-bolting to the opposite plate, then glassing the whole thing in place.
Yes, I really want you comments, else I would not be soliciting same. Are there things that I have not considered? Other possible effects from doing this? Does anyone know "exactly" how the keels are constructed? Are they junk iron cast in epoxy, are they glassed, cast iron? Has anyone seen a keel that has come apart?
Yes, I welcome any and all comments and/or suggestions.
Thanks to all in advance.
Len