Yachting and Boating World forums: Steel Keel Painting

I have read with interest past posts on this subject and would just like to clarify the processs for painting of a keel with minor rust spots.

Am I correct that the approach is basically as follows:

1. Remove blistered and loose antifoul and clean all areas that show signs of any rust. I understand that the final phase of cleaning can be acomplished with hydrochloric acid.

2. Neutralise with a rust inhibitor. Any suggestions?

3. Prime bare metal with a suitable underwater primer for steel (zinc phosphate based again any suggestions?...or alternatively I have some of the west system epoxy can I use this?

4. Fill areas that have bad corrosion or are just casting faults with suitable filler...epoxy again? On this issue How worried should I be about filling minor areas of imperfection when there is no sign of any major rust where keel attaches to hull?

5. Add more primer as required to filled areas.

6. Paint with antifoul.

Have i got the basic approach right?

Thanks in advance for your oppinions.

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