Cost, technology, and OSHA regulations complicate making the keel as designed and/or accurately. The shape of your keel significantly impacts boat performance. Unlike sails which shape can be changed by trimming, the keel must work well in all conditions and points of sail. Computer Keels' product design minimizes the skill and tools required to make accurate templates and fair the keel to an optimal shape. Fairing a keel or trying to evaluate the accuracy of the shape without templates is simply guessing. Instructions explain how to make templates from picture-mat board reinforced with wood furring strips. This template construction system requires minimal skill and results in very accurate templates with only a hand saw, utility stapler, ruler, and utility knife.

The Universal™ Template Kit is for boats with cast iron keels and boats where specific keel or rudder data isn't available. Each pattern (chordlength) contains multiple hydrodynamic profiles precisely drawn in ink on Mylar that are similar to those on the best performing boats. Instructions explain how to select the correct profile, and make a template. Follow this link for an illustration of a Universal™ Template Pattern and further information on the Universal™ Template Kit.

The Compukeel™ Template Kit and Templates are created for a specific boat using the designed dimensions or a proprietary profile. Section profiles of the keel at specific elevations are precisely drawn in ink on Mylar. The patented wrap-around design provides precise control of the keel shape, symmetry, and thickness, reducing the skills required to obtain a properly shaped, symmetrically faired keel. Assembled Compukeel™ Templates are also available. Follow this link for a list of boats for which Compukeel™ Templates and Template Kits are available.