Bilge Keel Support in the Yard

[Gypsyjoss]

Hi Guys
My Cobra 850 is now in the yard with the fully encapsulated keels supported on two 8in wide concrete blocks under the starboard fin and two concrete blocks with narrow wooden spacers (for levelling) under the port fin.
The supports are near the extremities of the fin base.

My gut feel says that the supports should be at least 6 inches in from the ends of the fins and at about 6 inches wide to reduce stress on the fibreglass and prevent damage.
I'm no expert on keel build and strength. Do you agree or am I worrying unecessarily?
Cheers
Pete

 

[neil_s]

I would want my keels to rest on wooden packing, not concrete. Be prepared with four bits of 1 inch pine next Autumn but I think it's not worth worrying about it, now.

 

[Praxinoscope]

I would want my keels to rest on wooden packing, not concrete. Be prepared with four bits of 1 inch pine next Autumn but I think it's not worth worrying about it, now.

+1 I would feel happier with wooden blocks rather than concrete, especially with encapsulated keels. I don’t think positioning is an absolute science, as long as the boat is stable and lifted very slightly at the forward end compared to the stern to ensure the cockpit drains work I would be happy.

 

[ProDave]

It sounds to me like 4 points of contact, at each end of each keel. I would prefer 2 STRIPS of wood supporting the entire length of each keel, not just 4 pads.

 

[Praxinoscope]

It sounds to me like 4 points of contact, at each end of each keel. I would prefer 2 STRIPS of wood supporting the entire length of each keel, not just 4 pads.

The usual method is 4 pads, I don’t think I have ever seen anyone use 2 strips for the length of the keel, this is possibly because the ground for most yards is a bit uneaven and it’s simpler to set the level of the boat using 4 pads.

 

[Gypsyjoss]

Thanks guys for your reassurance.
Pete

 

[stevebrassett]

If the bottoms of your keels are horizontal, then a couple of railway sleepers make good supports.

 

[Praxinoscope]

If the bottoms of your keels are horizontal, then a couple of railway sleepers make good supports.

Trouble is they are bloody heavy and difficult to store if you want to keep them for re-use, and they add another 8”” to the height you have to clamber up to get on board during the Winter, otherwise their a good option as they are solid and relatively rot proof.
You could of course cut them into manageable 4 blocks.