Q: Is keel the initial step in the construction of a ship? ¶
A: Yes, and in British and American shipbuilding traditions the construction is dated from this event.
Q: Is keel the "flat plate keel"? ¶
A: Yes, and this is fitted in the majority of ocean-going ships and other vessels.
Q: Is keel to provide ballast? ¶
A: Yes.
Q: Are keels different from centreboards and other types of foils in that keels are made of heavy materials to provide ballast to stabilize the boat? ¶
A: Yes.
Q: Is keel often the first part of a ship's hull to be constructed? ¶
A: Yes, and laying the keel, or placing the keel in the cradle in which the ship will be built may mark the start time of its construction.
Q: Is keel to convert the sideways motion of the wind when it is abeam into forward motion? ¶
A: Yes.
Q: Is keel suitable with its massive scantlings? ¶
A: Yes, but there is always a problem of the increased draft with no additional cargo capacity.
Q: Is keel almost inevitably of the flat plate type? ¶
A: Yes, and bar keels often being associated with open floors, where the plate keel may also be fitted.
Q: Are keels provided in the bottom of some vessels? ¶
A: Yes.
Q: Is keel the bottom-most structural member around which the hull of a ship is built? ¶
A: Yes.