I started to assemble the keel dry. I purchased a few 24 inch wide clamps that have been very helpful in clamping the pieces tight while pre-drilling the screw holes. I have 3 former sections in place, but have now run out of screws and am awaiting my shipment from ClarkCraft. (Earlier I said I'd be keeping all the fasteners in but I've already realized I will be removing the fasteners from the lowest portion of the keel to accommodate the 1/2 inch roundover on all the keel edges. I guess this will give me about 60 screws I can use elsewhere in the build.)
I also have cut out the most rear section of the bottom/floor of the boat hull. For anyone that is reading and might be worrying about me getting this out of my basement, don't fear. Once I have the keel assembled I'll be building pieces in sections and assembling out in the garage when spring comes.
Here are some pictures that show my progress to date.
