Spare the Rod, Spoil the Planes

While prepping my side keel parts for installation, I noticed the thin strips surrounding the diving planes were rather fragile. Having spent some time outside under shade while on static display at local events, they also had a tendency to lose shape due to the heat. In order to prevent breaking one or more of the parts, and to help them retain shape in the field, I decided to reinforce them.














The first step was to remove them from their temporary installation on the hull and place them on the bench (sorry about the busy newspaper background). Using a Dremel and a small round grinding bit, I ground a channel in the resin along the inside (stern plane side) of the opening. Care was taken to ensure the channel stayed centered on the part and the groove didn't penetrate to the bench.
















The channel was extended past the thin section itself, into the larger areas on each side, to tie them both together. Carbon fiber rod (.40" diameter) was cut to length as the reinforcing material. Carbon fiber is light, incredibly strong, yet pliable enough to "give" just the right amount in the event of an impact. Best of all, it retains its shape well and will keep the part straight under field conditions.












With the rod in the channel, it was secured with a few drops of thin CA catalyzed with Zip Kicker. Then, baking soda was used to fill in around the channel. Thin CA was added to the Baking Soda, instantly catalyzing it into a hard plastic-like material filling the channel. Some minor filing and sanding returned the part to its original condition albeit greatly strengthened internally. Both halves of each side keel part now true up with each other when placed on the boat. A quick fix (1 hour) that should pay off for a long time.