As mentioned in my previous post, the aft section of the keel and the integrated deadwood has some checks (splits), resulting from the seasoning (drying out) process.

Having pondered for some weeks, whether to simply use epoxy/other filler, or to do a formal repair, I finally resolved to do the latter. Firstly, because it will probably be more effective and longer lasting; secondly, because is a lot easier to do it now, rather than after I have attached the hog to the keel – let alone after I have planked the boat!

A Dutchman’s repair – or “Dutchman” for short – is also known as a Graving or Graving Piece, which again may be corrupted to “gravy bit.” Why have just one term, when a few synonyms will do?!

This technique is used to repair a defect due to rot, split, or a knot in the timber. A piece of matching wood is cut in a diamond or coffin shape, with a very fine bevel, then placed over the defect.

Here’s one I did earlier, during my IBTC course, repairing a defect in a keel, involving a knot. The knot extended right through the keel, so I did the repair on one side, and another student did t’other.

The current repair is smaller in extent and less complicated. However, there’s rather more at stake!

Generally, I eschew electric routers, because they are noisy and produce a lot of dust; and because they are not without risk – especially to the workpiece. However, for this job – cutting a shallow straight-sided flat-based groove – an electric router is otherwise the ideal tool. So, with careful planning and measuring; checking and re-checking the clamping and guide fence, I set about my dutchman repair(s).