How to Make Fiberglass Rudder Keel Molds

A canoe keel is the beveled center line on the bottom of the canoe running from bow to aft. The keel acts as a rudder, helping the vessel along on a straight path atop the water. Canoes are generally made of either wood, fiberglass or aluminum, as is the keel. Often a canoe keel can become damage from wear and tear. You can make a mold to fabricate a fiberglass keel at home using appropriate materials.

Things You'll Need

  • Modeling clay
  • Release wax
  • Fiberglass epoxy or gel-coat
  • Fiberglass cloth
  • Rolling pin
  • Fine bristle brush or felt roller
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Turn your canoe upside down. Measure the dimensions of the keel using a tape measure from bow to aft. Measure the bevel angle protruding from the canoe keel center line.

    • 2

      Mold modeling clay into the dimensions of the keel according to your measurements. Smooth the clay out as evenly as possible to match the keel dimensions exactly.

    • 3

      Apply a fiberglass epoxy release wax to the entire surface of your keel model. This will allow you to pull the keel off of the model without damaging the fiberglass.

    • 4

      Mix your fiberglass epoxy according to the manufacturer's instructions. Apply fiberglass epoxy to the entire surface of the model, over the release wax. Ensure you spread the layer evenly at a thickness of 1/32-inch.

    • 5

      Cover the model with fiberglass cloth completely. Press the fiberglass cloth down into the epoxy using a rolling pin. Take care not to press too hard otherwise you will ruin the mold dimensions.

    • 6

      Coat the fiberglass cloth with another 1/32-inch layer of epoxy. Repeat step 5 and then apply another 1/32-inch layer of epoxy again. Brush the epoxy to smooth out any bumps or raised portions with a fine bristle paintbrush or felt roller until smooth.

    • 7

      Allow sufficient time for the epoxy to cure. As all epoxy products vary in use, consult the manufacturer's instructions for proper curing time. Wiggle both ends of the mold until it starts to come loose from the model. Gently pull the fiberglass keel mold off of the model.