Model Boat Mayhem

The Shipyard ( Dry Dock ): Builds & Questions => Yachts and Sail => Topic started by: Metal mangler on July 25, 2018, 05:04:45 pm

Title: Louis Heloise keel
Post by: Metal mangler on July 25, 2018, 05:04:45 pm
I have eventually decided to start the build of Louise Heloise which is a French fishing boat circa 1890. The plan calls for the keel to be 20mm thick by approx 1100mm long with the bow to be rebated for the planking but does not suggest which type of wood to be used. My first thought was to use oak but I am worried that it may be too hard to carve easily for the rebate.
I would be grateful for any suggestions of which type of wood to use that would resist warping or twisting.
Thanks,
Dave
Title: Re: Louis Heloise keel
Post by: timg on July 25, 2018, 11:42:35 pm
Hi Metal mangler


I have a model of Louise Heloise unfortunately I didn't build it ,I will have a look at what the keel is made from in the few days and let you know. (no promises as the inside of the hull has been painted black) .
could a block of obeche be used for the keel?
I will also post a picture someone else might know might know more.


Good luck with your build


Have you seen this build log ?
http://www.modelboatmayhem.co.uk/forum/index.php/topic,14234.0.html


A few pic's of few Louise Heloise on my local pond
http://www.modelboatmayhem.co.uk/forum/index.php/topic,52570.msg539908.html#msg539908


Spud
Title: Re: Louis Heloise keel
Post by: tigertiger on July 26, 2018, 02:48:26 am

You could use almost any knot free wood. It will be sealed, and will not come into contact with water. I sandwiched 3 layers of plywood. The plans I have include a keel slot amidships, and using ply is an easy way to achieve this, if you don''t have a router table and very long straight cut router bits; unless you like cutting very long mortises by hand. Also drilling for the rudder tube would also be awkward, even with a drill press.
Title: Re: Louis Heloise keel
Post by: steam up on July 26, 2018, 07:26:52 am
I would recommend cherry as a timber if you can get your hands on it, Oak is very open grained and is in my view not suitable for model boat building.
Title: Re: Louis Heloise keel
Post by: Metal mangler on July 26, 2018, 10:06:08 am
Thanks to everyone for your help and suggestions, now off to the wood yard to see what they’ve got.


Thanks spud for the links, I will look tonight when I get home.
I think this may be the first of many questions over the next few months or more.