Albin Vega 27 - Possible Renovation - Delamination Concern...

[TGK]

Hello,

My name is Joe and I am considering buying a nearly free ($500) Albin Vega 27 (#838, actually) as essentially a full restoration project. (~No need to point out the amount of work involved here, it is quite obvious. )

Some internal woodworking has water-damage, and all of it has a bit of mold, so I would likely replace 100% of it (for consistency) with modern, textured, birch marine plywood. As a woodworker, this aspect of the project does not frighten me, nor most other building-related things like dealing with epoxy resin, or some metal work affixing the base of the mast to a new, hinged plate, etc..

However, in my somewhat hasty exploration of the boat the other day, I quickly arrived at several new questions that I am now hoping some of you can help me address! (~Especially any Vega (or former Vega) owners out there!)

Question/Concern #1:

Across the entire boat, the only fiberglass delamination I discovered was along the sides above the back-most portion of the keel (-circled in red). Please note that these 'cracks' appear to be above the non-ballast(?) portion of the keel. The front-half of the keel, where ballast is certainly present, there is no such delamination, making me believe that the iron/lead is still perhaps moisture free.(?)

So, for those that know, given the Albin Vega's design, how detrimental is the delamination at this back-keel location? Is this common and due to strain? Is it structurally vital? What is the keel made of at this back half?


-That's all for now!
-Thank you kindly for any input!

-Joe