: I'm currently building my second baidarka. On my first I used a one piece
: keel. This was because I used white pine and feared the heaving lashings
: would saw through the wood as it flexed. I'm using white pine again and I
: must admit I'm tempted to use a one piece keel again. I understand the
: reasons I should have a three piece keel, but do those reasons outweigh
: the risk of a keel seperating? Any advice? Thanks. Stephen

The three piece keel was in my opinion developed to deal with the assymetrical rocker in the hull. Having a one piece keelson 1 1/2" deep would not allow for much rocker.

One Aleut replica I made has the three piece keelson , it was necessary to have the joins in their usual places because my keelson was fir and too stiff to take the curve required. I ended up having to laminate two 3/4" pieces together to make the keelson 1 1/2" deep - I did this in each of the keelson sections.

With white pine you may be able to get away with a two piece keelson as it is not so stiff as fir - put the join in the usual place forward of center. White pine is a good choice and if I could get it I'd use it myself as doug fir is a bit heavy.

Remember with our modern materials , especially the skins, todays Aleut replicas are much more rigid than the originals.