CS17 Keel questions

[Tgabe]

What type of would is recommended for the keel on a Core Sound 17?  I have access to just about type but need suggestions.

 

Also, should the keel be glassed, epoxied or varnished?

 

Thanks.

[Alan Stewart]

We recommend Douglas fir or pine for the keel. I would definitely coat it in epoxy but not fiberglass. The keel is bound to get scraped up and then the glass will make it a nightmare to repair. This was certainly the case when I refinished our CS-20. The glass was just totally useless. This keel was doug fir and held up well for 10 years despite scrapes and cuts etc. I did not replace it just cleaned it up, filled in some spots and re-coated it.  

 

 

 

[Tgabe]

I got the keel installed and the hull primed. What type of metal strip are people using on the keel? brass or stainless? and should it run the entire length of the keel?  or would 12 ft. work?

 

[Designer]

We have used many options for the keel but now we use 3/4" stainless steel hollow back because it is the cheapest and it is pre-drilled. Most of the keel wear is at the front and back and in between, in other words cover it all. On Carlita I ran 1/2" from in front of the keel to the bow eye to prevent chafe against the bow chock and and bumping the back of the trailer. I am really glad that I did.

 

Because the hollow back is hollow, you need to plane the corners off of the keel so that it has more bearing and put it down in thickened epoxy. 

[Don Silsbe]

On the subject of  ot glassing the centerboard, does that change, when you put a 17# lead tip on it, as is done with the Mark 3’s?  
 

Regarding using hollowback, what do we do, to prevent the attachment screws from becoming a point of introduction for water?  I’m considering adding this, when I repaint my exterior next winter.