Nutshell Keel

[pl4242]

I'm finishing a 9'9" Nutshell and trying to fit the keel. The measurements from the plans lay out a keel that will not fit to my bottom. Perhaps I made an error along the way but the boat looks fair. Has anyone had this problem. I've built it from the plans aquired from Wooden Boat. Thanks!

[htom]

In what way will it not fit to the bottom?

[gary porter]

Originally posted by pl4242:
I'm finishing a 9'9" Nutshell and trying to fit the keel. The measurements from the plans lay out a keel that will not fit to my bottom. Perhaps I made an error along the way but the boat looks fair. Has anyone had this problem. I've built it from the plans aquired from Wooden Boat. Thanks!All boats of such will vary a bit and the keel directly from the plans really isn't expected to fit. Lay the keel stock up on edge just as it will be fitted to the boat, note grain run etc. You can brace the stock up with some spring clamps, blocks or whatever you have. Adjust the height of the ends of the stock so that you can scribe a line using a pencil compass that represents the bottom profile of your actual boat.
Set the compass at the bottom edge of the stock where it is highest off the bottom of the boat, then scribe your line the length of the boat. You can draw the bottom edge of the keel with a battan and measurements from your plans but first cut the scribe line with a bandsaw or such. Then fit it again and it not totally happy then scribe again with a carpenters pencil laid flat, this should bring it very close. Cut and try again the fit.
Once happy then draw the outside line and cut it.
Remember on the Nutshell the keel stops on the bottom panel and does not go forward of it.
Good luck and have fun , it will work.
Gary

[pl4242]

Thanks Gary. Bought some luan door skin and after 3 different cuts, the template fit like a glove. Traced it onto the final mahogany and it fit very nice.