: Am building my first strip canoe a bootlegger while stripping
: bottom it hit me why not add a small keel strip. Has anyone on a
: bootlegger canoe or other kayak put a vertical strip on the
: center keel line protruding the width of a strip to create an
: actual keel similar to a small row boat would have? Would this
: create better tracking while paddeling? If so should the strip
: protrude from end to end and blend back in at the stems?

We used to, long time ago, use wood/canvas canoes with keel strips and brass banded stems. After paddling for years in the kayaks though I now prefer just edging the boat to keep it straight, works just as well on a canoe btw. Then I can turn quick if need be yet can still track straight if the waters demand it.

Bill H.