I was thinking about this even more after I posted it. Since the current models have a SS stringer system, I was thinking the pipe could be made out of the same, say a 3/4" ID with 1/4" walls. This could actually increase the keels rigidity. In the 215 cc you would need about 10' per side. These tubes would have a total of 238 cubic inches which means they would hold about 3/4 of a gallon per side.
Given the surface area of the tube, the drain process will also speed up since all the water wouldnt have to migrate through all the foam to the back of the boat. Instead gravity would just pull it two its low point where the tube sits.
As for the manufacturing process, nothing would have to change with the exception of the tubes being mounted in mold. Even the injection can occur the same way, as the tubes could be reamed out after the foam has been inserted. As for cost, in the quantity they would buy in, I would guess a buck a foot would be about right but even if it was 10 bucks a foot it would only add 200 to the cost of manufacturing. Seems this would be less then the potential of warranty calls.
Anyways just a thought to pass along
