MarsKeel Brings History Back to Life with a Custom Keel for SY Doris, first built in 1905
by MarsKeel Technology 24 Apr 01:30 NZST
The new keel for SY Doris, a Herreshoff Manufacturing 78' yacht, first built in 1905 © Marskeel Technology
A feat of engineering precision and craftsmanship, built from the keel up.
The keel of any yacht is more than ballast. It's one of the foundations of stability, and safety. But what happens when that foundation is missing entirely? That was the challenge posed by the full rebuilding of SY Doris, a Herreshoff Manufacturing 78' yacht, first built in 1905. With the original keel long lost to history, MarsKeel Technology was called upon by Snediker Yacht Restoration to manufacture a completely new one. This keel again showcases our level of experience and expertise in keel manufacturing and more generally yacht construction and design.
Built to Match a Legacy
MarsKeel was entrusted to create a custom keel weighing approximately 43,000 lbs for the fully rebuilt yacht, based on a new set of drawings for the keel provided by the client. We produced a full-scale pattern, which was then used to craft a precise mold for the casting. Every step was handled in-house, from pattern design to pour, ensuring compliance with tight tolerances and to the naval architect's intent.
To maintain safety, we designed a pair of embedded lifting points, allowing the keel to be safely moved at multiple stages in the production process. There were a pair of engineered and professionally fabricated lifting brackets used to lift the keel from our lifting points in the keel. The brackets allow for our safe handling and loading as well as unloading of the truck at the customers location.
The casting process was as always, a continuous pour, a MarsKeel Technology standard. This is done to eliminate potential structural flaws caused by cold joints, thereby ensuring strength throughout the casting. To provide the customer with the highest possible casting quality.
Refined Solutions for Unique Challenges
This project exemplifies our core strengths: overcoming challenges and producing quality parts. The customer choosing to install the bolts independently, left us with no typical means of handling the keel. To overcome this minor concern, we designed and cast in the pair of lifting points where we needed them, around the CG of the keel, to handle the keel as well as well out of the way of the customers keel bolt positions.
This kind of fore seeing and overcoming concerns, bring decades of experience and engineering and boat building to bear is what separates MarsKeel Technology from competitors. Our expertise allows us to partner with customers on complex, high-stakes projects like this one and deliver reliably, every time.
Engineering Heritage with Modern Precision
Today's marine industry is increasingly reliant on craftsmanship that blends with modern production standards. Historic restorations must meet current performance and safety expectations. The materials we use and the technical standards we apply ensure that what we produce is more than historically accurate. It's built for the future.
Why MarsKeel Was the Right Partner:
- We designed and built the pattern, ensuring precise shape and form.
- Our custom keel process meets unique legacy specifications while upholding modern engineering standards.
- We fabricated lifting brackets to exact specs for safe handling.
- All work was completed on time, solving problems collaboratively with the client.
- Our continuous pour method results in consistent material strength and integrity.
MarsKeel delivered a 43,000 lb custom keel for a historic Herreshoff yacht rebuild, engineering a precise solution without an existing reference point. Completed on time and on budget, the project highlights MarsKeel's ability to blend heritage with superior engineering, delivering tailored solutions that meet today's performance standards while honoring classic design.
Request a custom keel consultation and see how we bring precision to legacy and performance.
Whether you're building new or restoring a classic, MarsKeel is ready to partner with you to engineer the foundation of your next project. Contact us to start your consultation today.