Keel on Canoe Rigged for Sailing

[Boatnut]

First, the Forum has provided a treasure-trove of information as I go about my restoration projects. Thanks to all of you who contribute your expertise. My current question has to do with the keel for a canoe that will be used exclusively for sailing. I do not have the original keel for my 1913 18’ Old Town HW model so I need to make some decisions before I fashion a new one, Given that the canoe will have leeboards for tracking, I am wondering how much depth I should have for the keel. The bow and stern outside stems that I had made for the boat are 7/8 “ high. Should I continue that height for the full length of the hull bottom or should I reduce the height to 1/2” or so or consider having no keel at all? In the case of the latter, I would either plane down the stems or save them for a future project.

 

[Benson Gray]

A keel is helpful in a sailing canoe and a 7/8" height is common. The sailing canoes shown at the link below both have outside stems and a keel.

Benson

Thread 'Rigging twin sail canoes'

Dec 28, 2023

Chris Pearson had asked recently for more details about rigging a canoe with two sails. I decided to post the answer here since someone else might want to reference this information some day. There are several advantages to having two small sails instead of a single big one. The center of effort is lower so it is easier to avoid a capsize. Less rudder effort is required since you can spill wind from either sail to make minor changes in direction. Sailing downwind with one sail out on each side (i.e. 'wing on wing') is poetry in motion. An 18 foot canoe or larger is usually required...

• Benson Gray
• Replies: 1
• Forum: Canoe Sailing

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[Boatnut]

Thanks!