Keel Shoe?

[Adam F]

Guys I need a few bright ideas...

 

Having given up on the idea of a SS keelband, (as the keel on the 165 changes shape along its length from 2" to 1/2") and the fact that whenever I touch the bottom at Xchurch the scrapes happen up the sides of the keel as well - I now like the idea of having a keel shoe.

 

I have toyed with the idea of a plastic / acrylic / nylon shoe which would be easy to tool and easy to bend and fit (sikaflex), would be malable to knocks and bumps and cheap - but cant think of exactly what material to use?

 

Any other idea welcome??

 

Adam

[Maverick Martin]

Adam

 

I think a s/s keel band is more practical than softer materials. Maverick has had a s/s keel band from new and never received any damage

 

Anyway thought you were upgrading soon? Not much point in improving for someone else's benefit

 

Martin

 

[Newboy]

I would have thought a nylon band would be easy to cut and screw into place. Nylon is relatively strong. I guess it's good for a one off protection, i.e, you knock it hard enough once and you change it.

[Seamouse]

Adam,

I'd have thought that a DIY keel shoe carries the risk of generating considerable amounts of drag and trashing your hydrodynamics (if that's the right term for the flow characteristics the hull was (hopefully) designed to achieve).

I did my own keel band and it really isn't that much of a task. IIRC the main band was 5cmx3mm. Offer it up and as the keel narrows mark in a profile with a marker pen. Then attack the band with an angle grinder. Noisy but quick (due care with the dust-goggles and filter mask). You don't really need to come up that far onto the narrower section of the bow as that doesn't generally hit anything, though I did it for neatness.

True that the sections either side of the keel also take a bashing but it is the flat base that takes the brunt, especially if you go anywhere near concrete slipways.

 

Steve

 

[Wedger]

Adam

I have some nylon band at work that we use for a baring/rubbing surfaces on rotating screen beds. (really tough). I'll cut you a little sample. See ya Thursday.

T

[Sinbad]

Aah... reminds me of our short summer break down watching the mackerel boats at Beer. they drive towards the beach at impressive speed, and take the boat right up onto the shingle, with the prop and shaft protected by an enclosed keel. Bit like a long ski.... covered of course with ...... stainless steel !!!

 

I'm thinking of replacing my keel band soon - did you get any quotes Adam? or did you decide it was simple to DIY ?

 

perhaps chat to you at the meeting ?

 

 

Paul

[Wedger]

From the boat bits thread

 

Just as a guide, I bought 2 x 4mtrs stainless 316 flat 25mm x 6mm for