Half oval on keel

[Don Bailey]

I am going to install 1/2 inch wide bronze half oval on my keel. It comes from Jamestown Dist. and is not predrilled. What would be a recommended spacing between screws? Does anyone have experience installing half oval? Would it be a good idea to hold it in place with masking tape during installation?

Thanks for any suggestions,
Don Bailey

[NormMessinger]

I've used the 3/8" on several boat bottoms, the latest being the Humble Bee. I'd don't know what the proper spacing is but I used 6" centers. EIght inch would be okay but 12" is probably too much for the 3/8" stuff. I put a slight reverse curve in the strip between holes so it would lay down when the screw was driven and bedded it in 5200. Each time you whack the center punch you'll bend the oval a little. Rig a Jig if you can to assure drillin dead center. The hole weakens it so after the holes are drilled handle with care. I used oval headed screws to more nearly conform the to oval.

--Norm

[Scott Rosen]

When I built my Nutshell Pram, I drilled and countersunk the holes in the bronze half-oval on six inch centers. I used bronze flat-head wood screws. Next time, I'd use oval head screws. I built the boat upside-down, so I didn't have any need to clamp the half-oval while fastening. I bedded it in Interlux Boatyard Bedding Compound.

[gary porter]

Don, The spacing of screws on your keel depends a little on the location along the keel. Generally on the flat run 6"-8" on the curve ,like around the aft end then you can usually fasten on the flat at each end of the arc. I use a screw close to each end with a follow up close , maybe 2" then start the run. If you have a drill press, then make a simple jig and predrill and countersink the holes. Set up the jig so you'll get the holes dead on center. Then, using your masking tape set the oval on the keel and using a autocentering bit (Vix Bits) predrill the holes in the keel. start at one end and work your way to the other so as not to cause a hump in the oval. smear some bedding compound on the keel and screw it down. After the compound sets then clean it up..good to go. Gary