Which Wood For The Keel

[Larry S]

I'm restoring a 1937 18' Old Town Guide. Many years ago, I'm thinking the 60s, the boat was fiber glassed. When the boat was glassed the keel was discarded and the screw holes filled with Bondo. I'm going to replace the keel so that the boat is correct. I have two choices in wood - White Oak and Cypress I know that White Oak is preferred, but the stock I have is one foot short.

So, the questions is, do I make a one foot short keel of White Oak, or a proper length keel of Cypress?

Thanks

Larry S

 

[Dave Wermuth]

I assume it doesn't have outside stems? if it did then problem solved. I've used Cypress for 'whales and liked it. Not as hard but I would use it if that's what I had and the canoe was a daily driver.

 

[Canoeal]

Scarf a foot or so on to the White Oak...