Keel or Keelson Required?

[John Sand]

I've sailed two canoes, each had a keel or keelson. The OT mast step I have appears designed to screw into the keel. My latest canoe has neither. Should I add one before installing a mast step or two?

 

[Benson Gray]

You can always try it with screws into the ribs alone. That will usually work fine under most normal sailing conditions. I had one like this pull out during a bad capsize once so it is screwed through the keel now. Good luck,

Benson