Okay, so I am in the middle of building the Dumas Prime Time, and the instructions say to cut out slots in the bottom of the hull, and glue on a wooden keel from the bow to stern. What purpose does this serve? The kit is supposed to be a twin screw with rudders, but I am modifying the hull to accommodate a twin jet configuration (just like the full size one, which incidentally does not have a big exterior keel hanging down). Is a keel really necessary?

I understand that a keel is to keep the vessel from going sideways in the water, but shouldn't this only apply to sailing vessels?

Thank you.
-Christopher C. Keeler

A keel also provides directional stability.

I doubt if a twin jet set-up would need a keel.

If you're not sure, put the keel on and test the boat, you can always remove it, if it should interfere with the jets.
Sticking it on after the boat is finished, is somewhat more tricky.

Regards, Jan.

One other thing a keel does is act like the backbone of a boat. It makes the boat stiffer, as well as being the mounting point for all the cross framing. You might contact Dumas and ask which reason the keel is used for before going further. You might be able to install it on the inside where it won't show.