Could anyone give me advice on glueing down a new keelband and plastic slot gasket.

Specifically, what glue for the job - is epoxy good? and should I add fibres/balloons to the epoxy (going onto cedar keel).

TIA

Jon

lol, I meant new slot gasket and plastic keelband!

You nail the keelband on with brass panel pins, which are extremely difficult to find these days!

The best way to do the slot gasket is to get some flat head brass nails and atach the front end. then tension the sot gasket using rope and tie off to the rudder pintles (It needs to be pretty tight) and apply two or three more nails down each side to hold the tension before cutting it and putting the keelband on.

Its a good idea to drill nail holes with a 1mm drill ans dip the nails in two pack varnish before sticking them in.

Do I need any gunk between the slot gasket and the wood?

Classic Marine are a good bet for brass panel pins I would have thought if you have difficulties.  See the link.

I didn't put any gunk on mine on Armed Forces.

I think you might be confused by the mylar slot gaskets on many plastic boats (not merlins) which are glued on with Sikkaflex.

Mine had lots of glue over the top of it between the gasket and the keelband so (i've not peeled the old on off yet) I was assuming there would be gunk underneath.

If there isn't any underneath will I not need to seal the keel with epoxy?

On armed forces the keel was painted therefore sealed and i dipped the panel pins in varnish sealing the holes so there should be no problem there.

There was no gunk under the old one either.

The ironmongers / funereal directors in Southam will probably have brass panel pins - they certainly have copper ones.

Any chance you could nip over there for me?  I'll get you a pint!  I'm over your way tonight.

Calling Chris Martin.  Your e-mail doesn't work, and I've lost your phone number but the sail has arrived.  I haven't had it out of the box yet but thanks