What wood to use for keel?

[Jpatten]

I am going to replace the keel on my canoe and am wondering what type of wood to replace it with. It will be painted so the look is not important so I am looking for something that would work best. Light weight but able to handle some abuse.

[Blue Viking]

I would suggest either Ash or Oak....good hardwoods...Ash is easier to work with as far as the grain goes...My associate and ijust went to Rumford maine and bought 4- 22' lengths of 5/4 rough sawn Ash to make keels, outwales, thwarts, and seat frames.....I made a stern stand up paddle out of a piece of Ash and will post a picture when I get it back....Having a sketch/etch of an Old town OTCA engraved on it by an artist who is an associate of that specialty hardwod company....You must have a source somewhere near you to get a nice long lenth of lumber....Good luck
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[MikeCav]

Ash or White oak, not red.

[fred capenos]

Joe
Don't buy the ash. I have a piece I'll give to you.

Three Rivers Nice Person.