Building the 12.5 Keel

Note: The keel is built separate from the hull and will be attached to the hull at a later date.

For reference the below drawings show the full size keel-floor frames and the keel strongback.

The frames have been setup on the strongback. They are plumb, square, and true with each other. They are secured to the strongback with 2 1/2" deck screws.

Notice the threaded rods between the keel frames. They are added for temporary stability and stiffness. The threaded rod hole locations are shown on the patterns above.

Other elements are the keel bottom shoe, and the one-inch round nose bar. Reference marks to locate the crossings of the keel shoe and nose bar with frames three and four are given in the full size patterns or architectural drawings.

The last major element, at this stage of construction, is the shell plating at the nose of the keel. With 95 percent of curvature at the nose, this section is formed separately for easy of fabrication, handling, and positioning. The picture below shows the patterns used to cut and shape the nose section of the keel. For more information about forming the keel shell plating go to:

With the nose of the keel in place the remaining section of the keel shell plating is cut to shape using the paper template shown below. Remember to mark out the frame locations given on the patterns to locate the keel plating with the framework.

No preforming is required of this large section aft of the nose section. It will readily form around the frames.

One side of the keel shell plating is shown attached to the framework in the below pictures. Followed by a left and right views of both sides of the shell plating attached.