Keel stack finished

The stacking of keel timbers continued and they are now all in place waiting for the epoxy/glue to set on the final layer.

First off was to drill and position the galvanized threaded rod through the hardwood cross piece in frame two and up through the keel.  After drilling up from inside each end was countersunk using a 22mm spade bit.

I measured the length using a piece of small rod and cut it:

Then tightened it in place.  This one is permanently epoxied into the keel and will have a cover piece above it on the keel.

Below is layer four of the level pieces, this one extends toward the keel.

The last 320mm is tapered from 150mm wide to 70mm to assist with water flow onto the rudder.  Below shot is looking from underneath, 150mm wide just below the lower clamp:

Layer four aft piece in place, looking along towards the transom:

And from the transom looking forward:

The final layers in place, 5 in total at the front.  Note the lead ingots (25kg each) helping to hold the wood down:

Seven layers at the back.  The top two at the transom only go forward 1540mm to allow for the end cap which will be positioned to line up with the transom (18mm thick).  In front of that will be a lead keel:

Looking forward:

Next steps will be:

• tidy up the keel using an electric plane to get rid of the excess glue, 
• fill gaps and fibreglass tape the hull/keel join,
• fit the caps on the front(which will also require a taper) and rear, and
• fit a worm shoe on the top of the last rear layer.