Planning to make some legs

[Timbow]

I want to make some legs for my E German folkboat over the winter so that I can take the bottom if necessary occasionally. There appear to be single holes in the hull long ago capped or filled with a metal fitting which I take to be for leg mounting. I am trying to think through some of the issues around designing and making them:

If they are wooden they will float - will they be difficult to get into position?
How do I avoid damaging the topsides - I have seen wooden legs shaped to closely fit the curve of the hull but I won't want to scrape the paint too much.
How long should they be - a bit shorter than the keel I guess - and what sort of foot would be best on the bottom?
Could they be Steel or alu - I am much more capable with wood but stowage space is scarce on my boat - could they be telescopic?

A pair of tanalised fence posts and some big stainless bolts might serve the purpose but I wouldn't mind making a better job of it. Any advice?

 

[dur]

I went for the treated fence posts because I expected only occasional use and it makes them relatively light, cheap and easy to make. I actually use them most for the time and they are fine. One post make s the main leg and then half a poststuck on the side was then cut to the shape of the topside. The face has a bit of vinyl floor covering stuck (badly!) to itto protect the boat. Yes they float which is good. They also take up a lot of space which is bad. The pads I have are 3/4" ply a bit more than a foot square. They are a pain as they pull up dollops of mud and weed. Will modify to a solid end this winter (maybe). I guessed how much to flare them away from the hull but as we only draw 2'6" its not v. critical for us. The aluminium jobbies you can buy would be nice for occasional use but cost a fortune.

Here is a half useful picture!