MERLIN ROCKET FORUM

Topic : Keelbands

Hello Everybody,
I am currently removing the paint from the bottom of my merlin rocket to repaint the boats as it has a few blisters in the underneath of of the boat. The keel band that I have removed is a mixture brass and aluminium. The brass was mainly nailed and the aluminium screwed. What would peoples recomendations to replace this after the boat is painted. Should I replace with brass stripps with nails/screws or aluminium with screws or plastic glued.

Thoughts would be much appreciated as I think the rules require a keelband of sorts to be legal.

Kind regards

John Reekie


Posted: 19/02/2012 22:06:17
By: John Reekie
From the rules: A KEELBAND of metal or plastic and of depth not less than 2mm and not exceeding 7mm shall run the whole length of the hull.

Your call, but the ally ones tend to be thicker, the vast majority of wooden boats have gone with the brass pinned variety, the smallest sections are not all that easy to find. A plastic keelband doesn't strike me as being the most durable of fittings.


Posted: 20/02/2012 17:20:54
By: Andrew M
I was taken aback by how heavy the brass ones were that I got a bit of mould made so that I could mould some in carbon!! Made such a mess that I had to bin them and made another set with some epoxy and microfibres. Filled the mould better and faired into the keel well. A bit brittle when they were glued on (stainless steel panel pins held them in place). A couple of coats of epoxy paint and you would be hard pressed to even see them.

Look after your bottom and well, I am sure you can work out the rest.


Posted: 20/02/2012 20:36:58
By: Andy Hay
If you get the chance to look at Rob Holroyds boat 3708 you will see that Laurie Smart used a mix of epoxy and microfibres to make the keelband. I know this as I remember him showing me at his yard when he was putting the finishing touches to Wicked.


Posted: 21/02/2012 07:09:58
By: Richard Battey
Don't look for keelband, look for brass beading. It's about £12/m cheaper and exactly the same. Great Barr sawills in Birmingham do it.


Posted: 21/02/2012 07:10:29
By: Chris M
Thanks for tha advice guys. I will keep you posted on the finished result.


Posted: 21/02/2012 09:29:58
By: John Reekie

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