To keel or not to keel.

[aprayinbear]

:?:

Finally got my new pirogue under way! All the design suggestions you guys gave me have been working out perfectly (widened the bottom several inches, reduced the rocker and raised the sides a bit) . I think I'll end up with a pirogue that can safely carry two adults. When it's all said and done, I'll try to post a few pics. But I still have one more question.

On previous boats (pirogue and jonboat) I used a keel. I know it helps the boat track straighter, but I never go in a straight line anyway. All kidding aside. How important is the keel. I'm thinking about leaving it off. Most of my boating is in the swamps near where I live.

Pros & Cons?

Duffy

 

[oldsparkey]

I don't use one on mine because I don't want the extra depth on it. I like the slick bottom so I can go over logs without getting hung up.

Chuck.

 

[hairymick]

I use a keel on my pirogue, it restricts manouverability a bit but acts as a rubbing strip.

It is 1" thick by 2" wide and runs the length of my boat. I would much rather wear out the rubbing strip than the fibreglass on the bottom of my boat.

 

[JEM]

keel strip will give the bottom some extra stiffness and will aid with tracking. But it will "catch" more on stuff just under the waters surface. You won't be able to turn quite as easy.

I'd try it for a bit without it.