How to Convert Weighted Keels to Water Keels

Most duck decoys come with a weighted keel which allows them to be tossed into the water and right themselves to make them float bottom down, top up. The weight in these keels often doubles the weight of the decoy. If you need to tote the decoys a long distance to your hunting spot, consider converting the decoys to water keels to make them lighter.

Things You'll Need

  • Large vise
  • Angle grinder
  • Cut-off blade
  • Drill
  • 1/4-inch drill bit
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Instructions

    • 1

      Clamp the decoy solidly in a large vise.

    • 2

      Use an angle grinder with a cut-off blade to remove the plastic from one end of the molded keel.

    • 3

      Remove the weight material inside. Most companies insert a steel rod or piece of flat iron, but some fill the hollow keel with lead shot, sand or other material to add the needed weight.

    • 4

      Drill three 1/4-inch holes in the opposite end of the decoy's keel to allow water to drain out both ends.

    • 5

      Drill an anchor line attachment into the keel if the initial cut removed the pre-molded attachment point.