I haven't tried this, but had discussed it with a rudder company once as my keel is quite rusted and I was thinking of replacing it. I think it's general knowledge that the keel is supposed to weigh about 1,000 pounds so you would have to keep that in mind. The owner of
www.newrudders.com suggested that you could have the keel cut out of a big, thick sheet of steel. Depending on how thick the fabricator can get the steel, it could be cut out of two pieces and welded together to get the weight/thickness you need. I'm guessing, since you won't have an original to go by, you could just make measurements of the trunk and pivot pin placement. I would think it doesn't have to be perfect, just fit in the trunk, protrude enough out the bottom to protect the propshaft and have the right weight. You may want to give the newrudders guy a call as he has replaced some swing keels in the past. Lots of luck.
Rich
Richard Marker
S/V
Nola
