On my Guillemot I put the foot braces approx 1.5" below the sheer. I did it before the hulls were glued together so I had to leave room for the tape on the inside.

To install the keeper braces I took a block of 3/4" Mahogany and drilled a hole in it the same diameter as the foot brace rail. Then I cut the block in half to be left with 2 C shaped blocks, which were shaped to match the hull shape then glued in with thickened epoxy (I taped up the rails and used them as spacers to make sure the blocks were in exactly the right place).

I then went to a scrap metal dealer and bought a 10' strip (smallest they had) of 1.25" wide stainless sheet metal which was then cut to fit the blocks and drilled so that I could screw them into the mahogany to hold the braces in place. It seems to be fairly secure, although if I really push hard I can feel the braces flexing a bit.

Did that make any sense?

I am happy with the instalation, and would do it again on my next boat.

JJ

PS stainless cost $2, stainless screws cost $1

Remember to coat the mahogany all over with epoxy, including in the screw holes.

I : Hey all -

: I have a pair of keeper footbraces that I'm installing tonight and I have a
: question about fit. I'm installing them on a Guillemot 17' and wonder
: where they should be placed in relation to the shear line. It seems that
: close to or an inch lower than the sheer would be ideal. Any thoughts on
: what's more comfortable. I need more experienced advice! Thanks

: Mike J