Good luck with that search.

If you draw a blank,  I am quite sure that Classic Marine can supply something suitable brand new;  https://shop.classicmarine.co.uk/catalogsearch/result/index/?mode=list&q=keelband    (Price is per foot.)

You may of course alternatively be able to locate a supplier on your own side of the pond,  but if not then I am sure Classic Marine will be happy to supply and export it to you..

Hope this helps,

Oliver

Brass piano beading is what you want if you must use brass. Usually a GP will be 3/8ths

Class Rules specify “a size tolerance of 16 x 3mm to 19 x 5mm”.    Although the only mandatory application of Class Rules is for racing,  they are also a good general guide to what works well on the boat.

On a vintage boat  –  which is what is being discussed in this instance  –   the original would have been brass,  and if historical authenticity is wanted either that or (better) bronze would be the material of choice.

If historical authenticity is not an issue,  or for a modern boat,  the choice would be either stainless steel or light alloy.   Light alloy will be lighter,  but not as strong and not as hard,  and so will be more susceptible to denting and scratching.

A quick check online show that several chandleries don’t list keel band,  while of those which do I have found two who offer only brass and the same number who offer only anodised aluminium.   Stainless steel strip in suitable sizes can be obtained from the usual stainless steel stockholders,  such as https://juststainless.co.uk,  although at a quick search I don’t see any pre-drilled,  or any half round.

Oliver

Brass keelband is piano beading 🙂

Exactly the same

Its personal taste but I think I’d probably use aluminium if it were mine