EP.02 Building the schooner MALABAR IV: Iron or lead ballast keel material?

Boatbuilder Ben Harris is seen here making the keel casting mold, intending to cast an iron keel in accordance with yacht designer John Alden's original MALABAR IV plans. We thought this would be interesting to see before moving on to the start of the framing process (video coming soon). Between then and now, there's been a lot of consideration as to whether this is the best option for the build. Would you take a purist approach and honour the original design or home-cast a lead keel? Videos coming soon will cover framing, the decision on a keel casting material, preparation for casting, talking to a naval architect for an overview of MALABAR IV's design. PROJECT INFO: In December 2024, traditional boat builder Ben Harris announced his most daring project yet - building a John Alden-designed schooner. Watch Ben present to Classic Yacht TV his lifelong aspiration to complete 'MALABAR IV' and have the yacht race-ready for the 2027 Fastnet Race in EP.01: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8wVce2sZ850 The project is for sale. In boatbuilder Ben Harris's words, "It is absolutely my dream boat, but it's just as big-a part of the dream-to build it and to see it out there in the world, as it is to sail it myself." More info: https://www.benharrisboats.co.uk/malabar-iv-schooner/ Apply to volunteer on the build of MALABAR IV via Ben Harris' website and please email him directly: https://www.benharrisboats.co.uk/malabar-iv-schooner/ EP.02 Shot and edited by Emily Harris / Classic Yacht TV https://www.emilyharrisphotography.co.uk/ Book references: John G. Alden and His Yacht Designs, Credits: Hart Nautical Collection, Massachusetts Institute of Technology