Stem Bands and Outside Keel
The stem bands may be made from wood if desired and bent to shape, but the brass oval stem or bang iron, ³⁄₈ in. wide, makes a stronger and better finish. The wood stem band should be about ³⁄₈ in. square, and rounded on the outside. Put this on with 1¹⁄₄-in. brads and fasten the brass band with ³⁄₄-in. screws.
The outside keel may or may not be used, according to preference. It strengthens the canoe to a certain extent and keeps the bottom from many a scratch while pulling out. The usual outside keel is about 1 in. wide and ¹⁄₂ in. thick, of oak or ash, and tapered at the stems to the width of the stem bands, which are screwed on over it. The most serviceable keel is about 2¹⁄₂ in. wide in the center, and tapers to fit the bands at either end. When made of ³⁄₄-in. oak, or ash, it makes a splendid protection for the bottom of the hull, especially when the craft is used in rocky waters. Unlike the narrow keel, the flat keel makes the canoe easier to turn with the paddle, but any form of keel will add several pounds to the weight of the craft and is for this reason often omitted.