Keel Cap Nearly Finished.

Ok Guys

I've been a bit busy the last few days. After roughing out the blank for the keel cap I marked out the keel centre line and the outline of the centre plate slot. I then marked out two lines 1/2" apart centred on the centre line for the stainless steel keel band to run between. I then marked lines along the sides of the keel cap 1/4" up from the bottom of the keel cap. These lines were marked out with a marking gauge and were used as a guide to plane a bevel on the keel cap.

On the 2 1/2" section of the keel cap that houses the centre plate slot a marking gauge was used to mark a line one both sides 1/8" in from the outer edge as a guide to bevel the keel cap. A piece of flexible batten was used to mark curved lines to give a smooth transition between bevel lines of the 2 1/2" centre plate section and the 2" keel cap section.

Holes were drilled every 12" along the cap to allow it to be screwed to the hull when being glued. Holes were spaced at 3" intervals at the bow end where the hull curve is greater. The keel cap was screwed to the hull. Where the cap has to narrow towards the bow this curve was marked using a pencil.

The keel cap was then removed and all the bevels where rough planed. The cap was refitted to the hull marked and adjusted a few times to get it right.

I will wait until the keel cap is glued to the hull before I sand it back to get a perfect flush finish.