Measuringa keel the "simple" way...

[ErikG]

I own a type of boat that was designed a long time ago :-)

I'm not so sure that the keel is perfectly symmetrical and other owners have thoghts about this as well...
So... any suggestions on how to measure the shape of a fin keel without using lasers or other expensive eqipment?

Erik

[duluthboats]

Erik,

I don’t know of any simple way of doing what you ask. There are low tech ways. They require that you establish a reference plane. Use a level, a long straight edge, a plum bob, and a tape measure. You must assume that your boat is symmetrical, very few are. Than you also have to assume that the keel is mounted on the center line. Accuracy diminishes fast with all the variables. That is why the surface mapping method in the article I posted is so useful. It may be some time before this system is affordable.

If shape is all you’re concerned about. I would make sectional patterns from stiff paper of one side and compare them to the opposite side. Trust your eye to do most of the work. I suspect this would be close enough.

Gary