: Rehd,

: Is your keel stringer turned 90 degrees from the Putz design? They way you
: have it makes a lot of sense, being stronger. Or maybe I didn't look
: closely at the book. I have cut out my forms for my 18 1/2 footer, and may
: just have to re-notch for the keel.

: Brad (or Brehd) That's what you put Balogna on.

Hi Brad

Yes, I got a wild hair and decided that my 240 lbs. would work better over a solid keelson, plus, My stringers, chines and gunwales are all 2 or 3 pc., so I just felt a little safer with the vertical 3/4" x 1 1/2" piece. Will probably affect the flex of the frame in the water, but, will wait and see. I built it a bit on the heavy side all around as my stringers, chines and gunwales are all 3/4" x 1" pine. I'm not as concerned with weight and speed with this boat. This is my learning boat. I doubt it will pick up more than 3 to 5 lbs. and maybe less as I'm going with the Double-open cockpit on it. I have some friends who will probably want it when it's done, and I get my Great Auk on and off the forms. I wouldn't bother to re-notch them just because I did. Several others have gone with the plans version and done quiet well. When I get this one wet, I will find out what I like about it and then may change on the next one.

Rehd