A project of Voluntsers

Boatbuilding

in Ash

Manual
._I

by Robert M. Steward

Published by:
International
Marine Publishing
21 Elm Street
Camden, Maine
04843

Company

USA

Available from:
same as above

Reproduced by

permission.

Reprodlrction of this microfiche document in any

form is subject to the same restrictions
as those
of the original document.

2n.d Edibbn

6v

International

Marine Publishing
~.11111,1,11.
.\ln,u,,04sIi

Company

FOREWORD

Vlll
PREFACE
ix
PREFACE TO THE FIRST EDITION
xi
1 GENERAL
1
2 PLANS
10
3 TOOLS
15
4 WOOD
19
5 FIBERGLASS
AND OTHER
HULL MATERIALS
6 FASTENINGS
46
7 LINES AND LAYING DOWN
66
8 MOLDS, TEMPLATES,
AND THE BACKBONE
9 SETTING
IJP
108
10 FRAMING
117
11 PLANKING
130
12 DECK FRAMING
153
13 DECKING
161
14 DECK JOINERWORK
170
15 INTERIOR
JOINERWORK
182
16 MISCEELftNEOUS
DETAILS
192
17 SAF!?Y
STANDARDS
227
RECOMMENDED
READING
231
EQUIVALENTS
233
INDEX
236

35

88

lh ligtlls otrt.11 showt*tl bright lalt* in lht* t~vt*ning 21 rht. ?i!i/zNItlJt) in IIiin1irlglc~l.
Nt-w York, anal r2b1il inrlc- 10 (tfj 50 aI :\r~c~t~ortIowri J1c.w in D;hricw. I havv tvijovtd ;L
titc~linic* intluc-ncxscl tjv I IIt. t;\tk of srnatt 1Jo;iIs 1tit-ir tlc3ign. I tIcA I)uittting. ;~rdl I ticbir
us(*. Most rcwarclill,~ of all ;Ispc( lb. tx.1 tiat~s. arc ItIc* tc*:l(*:s lhdl ccbmc ;Itong
It.1 I (.I!?
c*ulcJilin,g Itic- <grand c~st)c-ric~ncx-c*n(.oulll~lt(l in ItIt* tJuil(liyg ot ;1 l)Oill!
thc~rc~ has always
Ilt-c-n gr~a saridac[ion
3 just itid
fcc-tinSg 01 accomplishIlIlIll
rrbla!td to making things with ones own hands. in this age of specialization
I
t)c~tit-v~ hoal huitding
can offer tv~n morr satisfarrion
as wctt as rrlaxalion
and a
c.ti:illc*ngc- (0 individual
ahilitv and irigrnuitv.
FPw things involvr Itit, manv skills rt*cluirot in \)uil(ting a bcJ;rt c;1( h rxscntial fat- it4 succxsful
c~nnplcrion.
PlJssibly nothing
c*tsc*i5 as rc-wdrttin~g.
I;urrht*r. nict-ly tastiiontd.

d-t)uilt
tJo;tts art* growing mort~ and mor(* t3pt-nsivt-.
10 huittt your own rn;iy wt*tl t)c*;I practic,,lt sotulion
;1s wcdt as rc*wirding. Surctv ttw
,jovs of bring krtloar ;ir(b manifoltl,
and t host- t3ptGnc-rd
;Il~o;ird ;1 t>bJal you ti;lvt- Luitl

with your 0wI1 hdntls ;iI( inimt~dsurabtt-.

Hot, Stcwartt. tGng t~sc~t~ptionalt~ welt quatiiicd
t)v his tong c~sp~-rit*nix~ in r!ic world
of small stiit~s. ha5 l)roductd
;I cl~~ai-iy
writttbn Its1 of nici-it and grrat worth. Attt-r
vt*ilrs as an ;~ppr~-ntic~~- ht. work4
in scvc-rat small boat vards btaforc joining rhr highly
rcspecrerl office of naval architect
Philip 1.. Rho&s. where he spent manv I yrars
cn,
gagecl in dcsi<gning and planning
numcrous power and sailing vachts. as welt as commt~rciat boats.
Ittt* prriod of World War II found him in an tyginrering
c-apacitp
working bt-twrlrn vari:jalq vards and &sign off&s.
Far morr plcasanl work was . . >tirnrd at the wars t%ntI involving vat t.i
ax: Bob ac\elrtit (! :I lx)sition wirh a Wrs. Coast
firm as superint,.-dent
of vachr repair anti construction.
Somerime
ti;Icr tx returnd
IO I hc East Coast where a number of vac.hr designs werr proctucxd.
ranging from 22 LO
73 ftet . which

required

his cxperirn&i

supervision

of loft in= anti cnnslruction.

lhc
vii

viii

f~Ol<I-~IIOHI)

warmer-

cllrne tjt~ckontd.

wi! h its slowt~r l)acx- anti t*.isitar iivin,g. ant! 13oh ~onrinut~tl his
work In~(jlv!rl,q the d~s~gn~n~ anti supervlslon
of Ilumtrous var.lli\
PIt.st.~lr iv i~r*is !vi!i!
a Floritla

tJuiltlcr.

pW ;a< hIS.
Bol) S~vwartls
l,uhlishd.
marrrials
wonth-fully

whtarl* iIt> is
classic- work

co11t

drawings.

wit Ir I ht. cIt*sign rlntl prc),qrt*~~ 01 clulstantling

has bcbtbn ht*ar-iily

In
this larrsl tdition.
and presenr rrgularit~ris

char

t-rncd

Hoh has Inatlt~

antl sIandaids

I-cct*ivc-d from
riumt~rous
in atltliIion

Surt-Iv I his comprt~ht~nsive

rlicb rimt- iI w;ls first

revisions daring
IO nt-w
10 provicling more* of his

anti practical

marvrial.

SO ~~11

prcxn1td.

will provitlr~ ! ht- .rnialt~r- boatt~uilrlt~~ arid Itit+ f)roft3sional

with ;I worltl 01
v;Ilutd ant1 valid information.
Intlccd. scardv
a wt.t-k passe-s wht*n. in wriring It-IIt-1-s
I(J hoa huiltlvrs ail ovtt I IIt* world. I (1~:no1 sii#gt-51 Hofr(hrr/ltl/~rg ,tlfltrrrfr/ as ;d sourt(- 01
knowlt~tigc,
,~011l1

.Alhill

?I .s.r\
t\nc

&

XI.E

tl~lr-tl~nvIl

Dalit~l. C:c~nnc~
ricur

II is indt*tvl

ditficull

IO rt-;ili/cs rli;tl

IO yc*;11-sli,1\,tb passtbd since

Inic~rnaiional

fuhli5hing
(:~m1l1;11iv wt.111 i11ro Ou4int*bs nritl ;1c.tluirc*cl ltw cxqyighr
.ll,ctrrrtr/ II 11:*clM~~ll:I Ir.rr,
I\' !Il:lI
!-I.:;;:.
!!E!
! !::*:x
h;1LT
!XX~I!
:ici;
'Ul!
."I
I
i1ig llii~ tlt~ iidt.: Boris
fhil Rhoclt5.

l.au(-1. L.tv~n;irtli.

OII(- of Ilit~ ,qwaItw

ihca sniall

;i~Iti mosi

iKl

ii1 Tciir

I1r~;1ll1uildt~1~ slaurit~li

vt*rs,iIili* 1i:i\~l

Marim,

IO flotr//~rrr;tlttr~
c .> rlihi

Ir-itv1tl.

;irIll

art hi1cv 14. li;rvc- l~oili +;tilrvl

ovt*r lilt- hoi izcjtr ~11tl dt( 111i55t*ill1v mdnv

irit-ncls.
111ort p(*iq)It~ 5im.t. Ilit- I;151 tvlili~,ti o! flflttr
so m;inv who h;ivt* rt-;icl ~1111
l~i*i~Il gri11ifVilIg
I0 mt 3

I v~*nl IO llavt* I1t7-Ii t,xl105tvI I0 Inilnv

;illii

hrr//tltt/,q .IltrtIrrfl/
It~;ll~Ilt~tl11~0111
111t

10 us

il

Il;is

\ 1c)c)k. In .icltiilicm.

fhlfl I I/ lr;lr!il,,~

Mainc~. uws rhtk coml)l~tt~

ford.

Connc~~it~ut

~Ihroqqhout

rhv Iwo vac~hr dt~sign sc~lioo~~ in IIitb I S. ~onlinuc~

Alfl t11111:a _ IVSC material.

l)ook.

, rtyrinrb

I his hook.

thtb Wtbstlawn

that

School

[ht. names

providtb

ijs advvrtising

svrvicrhs of valur
for the products

In adtlitic1ri 10 thia fI!lolo and illusrration

the following

Gtlugcwl
of

HIothcrs.

h11za.

Illl~..

drawings

that

I cannot
copy
fasrw

Inc

Srcmann

, for the ust of photos

for ho~h phoros

close wiihout

ancl skrrc-ht-s;

thanking

her 5 percmr

in Brooklin.

of 1ac-h1 DrsiRn.

Sram-

lo boatbuildrrs.
or sty-vice

offtvxvl.

Illill

carr1

9~11h menRarhc-r.

of tht* s(1urcx.s. Conli~ct

lhtb firms

crvdiis

Plastics.

I did years ago for how-to-build

ior me with
rhan

sour(vs:

Insrirurcb.

ant1 aildrt~~sc~s of firms

iwlit~w lha~ Iht* rthacit-r will Iwrwfit fro1n my rt-srilrch

ctirc-crly iIlltl lt*ll thtr11 wlI;ll you Ilt-tvt.
thank

Dvsign

of rhe hook.

vou will find

IOOIS a11t1111att.arials or firms

Zion is noI IO IW vonstrucd

while

portions

lacht

given in the caarlit-r tditioll.

I wish 10
\1il<hr CI~rpIIralion.
,rlItl
Inc.. Hurkins
rdition:
tliv Xirrbs ciisision
.311lhis revis
and SW nirigazinta
articles

that

for permission

appeared

IO us{

in 7/1r Rudrf~~r

Dorothv
C. Marks fo1 doing some of thth rt*vision
meanin,g
that she can I;pc a pa,gP 31 times
rypIng

1 ran.
KotitW M. .Sltward
,jat~lamt ilk. FItAla

l);lriIlg

;I Ilic~i~liIl#

PillllrsOIl.
ii

was clct~iclt4

num!,ci

ii

Etlilor

ilIlt

I,f)c..ii.>

BusiIit-ss

I Shoultl

IIlitl

\lillI

.i,gtt

IL,r-ih l..lu~-I -Ix-t~tldrrli

rty)t7Iivt~ly

M;tIl;tgc~I~

wriits sonll~ ,irIit.lt-s

Of

ill)OUt

IlIt*

fintb (,I(1

hoirl

dntl

ilit-

it/ltttlt*r

(~011slruc

:4\111lL

Irtlr*

Illil#il/iIl~,

lion

;tinlcVl

ill

IlIt-

amalt-uI ;tIl~l. Ilol!t~luII,. of soIlIt VillUt I0 lhca l~r0ft~SSiC~IIitl. -1lris (It7 ision It~sulltvl ii: ;I
sturic5 of LOc.oIIst~ciIlivt* Inorlllllv l)itxx3 I Il;tl Mx*rt*So \\~t~ll rtxx~ivt~tl Ill;11 I hty wtrt- Illiltlt*
inlo

i:ook.

il

Jht-

rtw~f>litrIl

ol

Ihis,

~r~tl~(~*tl. I Ilt- l)o(bk $viIS l)uhlislIt~tl

IOO.

itl)Ioatl

was c~IiIhusi,isIic.

~llill

~)on

.itlt*l

iII LI~t~I~t
II. l.t*1It51S 01 itl)l)IovitI

iI

w;h

in

wt*r( rtG\c~cl

from afar. On<* IhaI lingt.rs in IIIV mint1 was frton a lurkislt
naval oflicc,r who IIOI onI)
bouplIr Iht- I)ook. ~LII also l)uilI a I)oaI lrom III\ plans. lil~ll
ii#i3ill
Olin Sl~pht~IlS.
lolcl nit how I tic Ercnr.11 tbtiirion was of \alut* lo him on an ins
faIntd yacht ticsi,gncr.
slxt.Iion

writ) in I;:urol)t- ~vht*n Ihtb I)ook illusrrarions

lxYwc*t*n hiiI
lllr*

anti

Ill~:11tlilr~

a l)uiltlt*r.

rtwartl

niubl,

.lhirigs

scrvtyl

IO brrak

like Ihis al-t- lit~drIt;-II.

hc

UIlfOrtLlllillt~l~.

a language-

harrit*I

htx~au~- in SO sm;tll

a ficltl

stxxmtlilrv.

As Iimt* wt*nI orl. I he numl~t*r of rqutxIs

for Ihtb hook showtd I haI a rt*\,i&m wab in
IlOW
\VI Il.lVC~fjo///1lf11/f1it~,g .Mtrurrrl/.
qain
tiont- wirh Ilit- t~nIhu~i3sm of Boris

ortlt-I . Sll
ilb il

l)I.iIIIt movi~r. a II lioirgh llit7~~

hcbt-Ii Iimt*s, wlit-Ii Iht* midIiighI

IlilVt

IOW. I IIiII I WiIS IIOI SO lIi\ll)v wirh his l~rodtling

inc~lutlt~S

it

IIrIl( Ot

ntw m;tIt~rialS

build
tion

The

thr &mrnts

Wt.11 a5 It~c~tiniilIIt5

iIS

Ihis or any orhrr

hope

.lht> IIW l)ook has t)(bcIl rcwriI~cn.

I 1lilVt

1)icbt.d

lip

in

inrcrim.

ltltb

from

an unt!ersIanding
for many

is \erv
and

who orherwisc

11~ has Ihr ability

of boatbuilding

book can Itsac-h all Ihc-rt- is IO know about

for is I!) givt- somy guidancr

an urge IhaI usually

of a drram

Assuming

IhaI

br*st I can

a boat

MY of plans

Oltl.

I)UI
illltl

I haI Ilao* I)t~t*n accrptcd.

DO noI think
building.

lht

oil was burniIi~y

rewarding.
experienced
could

lvith woodworking
set forth

I Irust

in this book.

Ihal I hi, book.

desi<gncr.

non enjov
rools.

boaI.

IO 1h0:;c with rhr urgt- IO

will lead IO rhc realiza-

boaring
hnd

plus a good

and

is arm4

the1.e is no reason

Ihc St-a.
with pians

and

whv an amateur
X:

BOATi3UILDlNGi'WANUAL

Chapte:

how IC)use skillfully

During the past two decades,
mort b and m)rc people have learned
both hand and power tools for household
chores and improvements,
making
furniture,

outbuildings,

people

are good candidates

of making

and

something

nlaterial

to form

building

and see that

sets

that

the like, and

they often

turn

out very creditable

for boatbuilding.

Y~I, many
is 1101 all squat-c corners;

th,lt

curved

shapes

discourages

them.

And

when

thev

starts with a lines plan and the attrzriant

are
GUIVP+ well, thats that. These people

the

Such

look into

it usually

dimensions

jobs.

are turned off by the thought

bending
wood or other flat
boat-

table of offunnecessarily

depriving
themselves
of a very fascinating
and satisfying
pastime.
Constructing
the first boat, however small, is an experience
not to be soon forgotten.

Watching

form

provides

carefully
a piece
over

hours

done,

grow

from flat paper

of fun and is super

the finished

of furniture,

is often

and dver for plrasurca

through

courses

Northwest.
number
learn
The

of lucky

people

in various

so there

purpose

of this

elementary

problems

flat material

a stressful
pride

boat.

If you are fortuna:.e

from

observation.

can take

When

and soon forgotten,

to learn
States,

boatbuilding
principally

courses

advantage

reason

is to introduce
from starting

enough
When

day.

to the builder.

the job is
And unlike

a boat

is used

are

located

the hull until

down

to building

able

to
and

the great

opportunity

to

on bnatbuilding.

construction

to live in a boatbuilding

it comes

so that

of this splendid

for books
boat

have been
in ttre Northeast

water

dont purport
to teach all the skills of an expert boatbuilder.
It is impossible
to coker briefly all the information
needed
deal

into a shapely

the years.

is still ample

involved

after

put in a corner

all too few of such

book

and

of great

of the United

boatbuilders

the craft,

theraI,y

with the desire

parts

Unfortunately.
of would-be

drawings

vessel is a source

which

A number
take

a hull

area,

by explaining

the

first laps at the kee;.

to build

e\prv

tyr::

I
of

you can :>Farn a great

the kind

of boat

you want,
1

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GE.VER.41.
FLAT

5COWQEt

BOTTOMS

DORY OP 5r(1i=F

ALGE

VEE.

AFL

i3OiTQt.l

f3Tl-TOMS

L~c.,u~HIN~ j +.-&AE
DEEP \/EE

ROUND

OOMLE

cw

hrJE

I&TEL

+IL~oAT

BOTTOMS

i,\ 1) J&J/l
~A1Llt.I~
-ucJl-OLT

DIt.IGUf

ROAT

IcigurtbI-1. .St,t,t/fJ//s
ftl ttf/tl/t.//q/Il
fB//YlJltfl/
/lrl/ I rllrd rr~rrlrtttlrtltr~ftrtvi
trrlll.\
ner would
conform

build

have

you.

When

and

can be mastered

process

working

Bending

wood

forward
Figure

light

planks,

l-2 is a lines

ings and

templates
relative

that

will net

drawing

merits

on lofting,

designed

round-bottomed

of the

that

there

bend

for a small

for the various

will admit

parts

is not unduly

be a great

during

a discussion

on the boat

cold

construc-

boats,
and

The

of framing.

to round-bottomed

of v-bottomed

difficult

deal of fun.

such as the

must

be made

round.bottomed
which

hull.

is the making

Lines drawings
of full-size

are

hull draw-

parts.

hull

types

will never

boat,

along

to have them

Do not let this scare

of the hull.

in the chapter

everyone

the bending

is not restricted
certain

necessary

process.

In fact it can

further

or boiling

possible

the bevel

the bending

material.

detail

to fit the shape

in detail

in the hull:

in during

in more

of bottom

for them

right

a few attempts.

by steaming

discussed
The

after

as it is entirely

ends

bent

is twisted

with relatively

will be described

tion alone,
limber

frames

to the hull shape

especially

are

argued

far

be a v-bottomed
for a sailing

and
hull

wide,

but

as handsome

just

about

as a well-

craft.

Figures l-3 and l-4 show the essential

differences
between
the framing of flat, vee,
and round-bottomed
hulls. Although
the lower ends of the frames in the round-

ZliC ,

bottomed

boat

are shown

on the hull shape,

the deck

butted

to install

on the other

side.

them

against

the keel, it is sometimes

in one piece,

In contrast,

note

extending
the number

from

possible,

depending

the deck on one side to

of pieces

that

make

up a

~;lC.2'l~:R.4
I. :i

-FLAT

Bo-?Tm

ygE 4e--q-y.

Y.2VY
__
.Figure

frame

I-3.

I\,/H~YI~(~ttr.\/rr~~/tott

for a v-bottomed

bodt.

\(vttotr\

SaA--

~Irror~glr

On the other

hand,

trr~tl

frames

/ht

Itottotttd

;dre spaced

ht~tt.\

farther

apart

in a round-bottomed
boat, so the frames are fewer in number.
Figure l-5 is a section through
a rather normal
sailboat
of the cruising
ocean

racing

type and

and-centerboard-type
recommended
helped

for

on a similat

not become

is :ypical
boats,

the

amateurs

discouraged

and

is a lot of heavy

The

of the trames,

time needed

to build

of a flat sheet without

the rnaterial

board

or with

first

a hull

program.

wrinkling,

unless

of construction

is more

difficult

job than
*. and

that

surfaces,

either

he will

due to reverse

on a simpler

hull.

is such &at

it can

If a shape can be formed

it is said to be developable.

surfaces

he has

deadwood.

if the hull shape

such as plywood.

keel-

This type of boat is not

boatbuilding

is a tougher

out the backb,

material

The

at

or classic

keel or combination

draft.

of this kind

The framing

the planking

with developable

a computer

attempt

a hull can be reduced

pieces of.flat

deep

of shallow

enough

work getting

with large

ways of designing

very

when on his own.

in many

be covered

the so-called

being

job or has watched

(S) curves
there

of either

the latter

than

graphically

are cylindrical,

There

are

on the drawing
conical,

or a com-

bination
of both, and the designer must be content with the limitations
of these curves.
Figure l-6 shows the lines for a 52-foot hull that was designed
with the aid of a computer.

This

boat

was built

of large

fiberglass

sheets:

one

for each

side.

one for each

GENERAL

A.pC
6Orz
CgEkiTER63AE~
SAL
BOA-l-

ty1

Above:

Figure

through

ty~G-d

1-4.
nrc-

Sectiot~s

nnd

round-

hotton~d
II ~11s. Right:
Figure
l-5. -f-hip t1lilfStli~)WCtI'OII O/' (111
~~u.rrli~r~~
ticrrnc

ulith

sclilhortt
rtzvrsC

showing
curzv.

hisnt

4331>
.3;7pz
&E -%+-AI s??L
--.

c
2
tI
3
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p ; 1
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iji 11
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4-f
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tc/I1-p- I
I!
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P-11: /
/ 4 ,--IL
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GENER.4L

R. M. %b-A(LD

Fiqurc

l-6.

PPQfLE

:I 52./oat ,Jih~r,~lu.~~
conttnt~rctu~ Ir\hrrrg bout h 1111hm~rl~ fiwP1i~p1 Oh

.\U)./flCl.\.

half of the bottom,

one for the transom,

and

a number

of joined

strips

for the wide

chine surface on each stde. On the other hand. the v-bottomed

hull in Figure 1-7 cannot be built in this manner,
for there are concave sections in both the sides and bottom.

Flat sheets

cannot

Most of the figures

principal

hull

lines,

successfully

be bent

in two directions

at the same

in th- chapter
have been labeled with the names of some of the
beginner
must become familiar
with this nomenclature.

and ti

For instance,
the top edge of the hull viewed in profile is the sheet-line.
line viewed in plan is the deck line. or deck at side. A chine is obviously
between

the side and

will be exprained
draws

the lines

For hundreds
matters

time.

bottom

later.

of a v.bottomed

Since both

hull.

Other

while the same

the intersection

lines in the surface

sides of a boat are usually

the same,

of a hull

a designer

only

for one side of a hull.

of years,

are, different

now.

wood was the primary

As this is written,

material

boats

used for building

of fiberglass-reinforced

hulls,

but

resin

have

been manufactured
for 30 years, and now fiberglass
boats dominate
the standardized
boat market,
with hulls and other parts produced
in volume from expensive molds and
tooling.
However,

wood

wood in tht: United

is not dead.
States

Many

pleasure

and elsewhere.

and

Wood

commercial

is being

used

boats
in hulls

are still built

in the conven-

of

f~l~..~I:R.~~l.9
tional
and

manner,

covered

cold-molded

on the outside

and

saturated

that will be discussed

farther
The techniques
of wooden
tion

of tooling

in ihe better
molded

for fiberglass
quality

plastic

and

hulls

and

fiberglass
When

demand

the finish
achieved

and

boats

finishes
such

or a welded

of some

are extensively
Wood

parts.
to avoid

that

have

as for yachts

employed
antiseptic

the cold,
become

a logical

fabrics.

for building

hulls

in the construc-

is used for the interior

65 feet and

steel hull

with superstructure

builders.

But here again.

of the larger

in the quarters

joinerwork

apj?cyrance
extension

of the

of molded

because

it provides

a feeling

longer,

welded

built
wood

aluminum

of the light
is usually

of warmth

tha:

alloy is

chosen

for

can never

be

by thr sy Iittlctics.

it is possible
a .kit boat.

to gain
There

cd by the builder
fiberglass

an introduction
are

usually with plywood

quire but reasonable
available
are full-size
Hare

boats

with synthetic

new scheme

cabins.
is small,

alloy construction
the choice

a relatively

on.
boatbuilding

fiberglass
mica

with resin and reinforced

with resin,

a number

to boatbuilding

by purchasing

of kits for vbottomed

motorboats

and assembling
and

sailboats,

planking.
Most of these are furnished
with beveled parts that recare to set up the frames accurately
to form the hull. Also
paper patterns
and templates
for parts, with all the wood provid-

from
hulls,

local stock.
mostly

Then

there

for powerboats,

are kits that supply fiberglass

hulls.
are also available.
Here is where an

amateur
must be careful
to be >:tre that guidance
is provided
or available
to locate
comptrnents
such as engincss and fuel and watcr tanks. lhr weights of such items must
be positioned
so the boat will trim and run properly and safely. Some of thrsc hulls can
should not bite off more than he can chew.
IIC cluite largca. and the atnateur
Making ;I kit boat does not give the same sense of accomplishment
as building
a boat.
from scratch, 1~111the scheme dons make sense for those with limitrd spare time ot for
those who want a particular
model of boar that is available
in kit form. Listings of kit
boat manufacturers

are found

CZuirfc. In addition,
Fi.thc~rmcln. See thr

a good number
Recommended

in boating

magazine

ads and in the RrW Owner;) Buym

of fiberglass
hull builders
advertise
Reading
at the end of this book.

in Nationcll

Chapter

A Set of plans

is needed

for a boarbuilding

project

unless you have decided

to build

kit boat. Seldom does one want to build just any boat
rather there is an urge to own a
certain
tvpe, either power or sail, and usually there is an idea about the size suitable
for the intended
spent

use. There

on the search

Knowledge
scanning
contacted

for a design

of arrangements

the design

are ample

for study

sections

mechanic

offer

more

scale than

they

firms

also offer

l&at

that

the boat

for various

ample

will meet

lengths

boating

These

magazines,

be

requirements.

can be obtained

and the naval

do-it-yourself

time should

your

of boats

magazines.

by the design,

of the monthly

and

by

small

drawings

architect

can

particularly

magazines

be

Molar

for the home

of power and sailboat

plans that have been run as
The pians they make avaiiable
arc to a iarger.

over the years.

those

in the original

spxialize

full-size

Owners

sure

for plans,

Some of the boating

for sale a choice

articies

of several

is offered

some

how-to-buiid
practical

to make
feasible

information.

& Snifing, and

sources

of the monthly

of what

for furttlrx

Boutzng

are several

in plans

patterns

Ruyws

Reading,
lists the names
sizes of boats, Another

Guide,

articles.

The same magazines

for the backyard

for hulls.
listed elsewhere

buildt=r,

in this book

nnd addresses of many naval architects

source is the various
class associations

and

under

carry

ads

in some cases
Recommended

who have plans for all

for small one-design

sailboats.
Regardless

of their

source,

try to determine

whether

the plans

that

interest

you are

sufficiently
detailed for you to completely
understand
the vessels construction.
It cannot be emphasized
too strongly
that good plans are well worth their price, because
, 7.. :r cost is but a fraction
of the total cost of the boat. The cost of the plans might be
considered
as insurance
that the finished boat wilt be a success. When designers do not
draw the profusion
of details that the novice builder
would like to have, this book
should

be very helpful

in filling

in snme

of the missing

information.

19%

SLOOP

TRITON

SAIL
PLAN
5CfiE ?h.:cc
DCSlQhED
FOR

==A

THE a%

RUDDER
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Rudders
Figures 2-1, 2-2, 2-3. ThtJw p/am uvrt drnuw by lhr author as part ofTt.e
1948
ikut~
t$
lhl
publicalirm.
llou~ fo Build writes nrrd appeartd in rhc Fvhruary
Lnrgr-scale blwprit~h uvw off&-ed by The Rudderjor
ust ) by h o nl t>b uild t rs. Th e a rc
hot ~on;.cd fornl
nlnl;cs I i1i.q n rt4atirvly
simplr
boat lo build.
(The Rudder,
rt$rinled
ztvih pt~mi.~sion, )

:r,,;:7-2:;:
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Figure

2-2.

rJii&m
L( SRV.RD

Nz*wz
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PLANS

14

I would

tures,

warn

or locations

formance,
before

making

of major

regulated
tion.

safety,

the

routine
Office

of the boat,

tion

such
and

is fairly

Inspection

details

building

construction

inspection
ried.

can result
against

without

If there

Guard.
without

simple

is to be started

quickly,

of the hull. The Coast

The

Consult

them,

per-

the designer

you will be better

from the drawings.

Guard.
the route,

In general,
and

it should

general

arrangement

six or more fare-paying

or, most likely, fishing.
be aware

that,

in the in-

of passenger-carrying

regulations

set of plans,
Guard

in unsatisfactory

departing

you should

equipment

if you take the time

the service,

is a complete

a craft,

at least obtaining

of the U. S. Coast

of superstruc-

for Hire

construction

by the U. S. Coast

heights

of seaworthiness.

and if he advises

Passengers

lines,

there is a great number

of boats built to carry
whether it be for sightseeing,
dinner and dancing,

not start
The

reduction

that will give you what you want

for Boats Carrying

of

in the hull

Such procedures

changes,

If you are contemplating

should

changes

weights.

any major

plans

Every year
passengers,
terest

making

at least, or even downright

off using

Plans

you against

are not unduly

approval
to consult

boats

strict,

is

but you

of the hull construcwith the closest Marine

an application

is made

for the

the number

of passengers

be submitted.

otherwise

if construc-

are necessary

and

drawings

has a book of regulations

to be caralso

that spells out the design

and equipment
They no longer

requirements
and lists the plans that must be submitted
for approval.
offer the book for free, but they can tell you the location of a govern-

ment

that

bookstore

stocks

the publication.

lf

yi;b

3;d+

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~ONSTRU~ION
PLAN
a,,..,su-

Figure

2-3.

1
--_

j
-- /

.-

---iq

A
7

4LCTAT~

Gii&R
pf mol5L4T
6.4
,TCWbRD

Chamer

The selection of tools needed to build a boat depends

being undertaken,
It is best to start with a small craft

upon the type of project that is

to get the feel of the work-- the

difference
between bqatbuilding
and common
carpentry.
The construction
of a simple
plywood-planked
boat, either as a kit or one started from scratch,
calls for a minimum
of tools.
mer,

For such

hand

sufficient.

saws,
One

a boat,
planes,

item

the usual assortment

chisels, screwdrivers,

the amateur

may

of home workshop
a brace and bits,

not have when

starting

tools such as a hama hand drill, etc., is

a boat

is a number

of

clamps, either the C or bar type. It seems as though one never has enough of these;
they really :,re indispensable.
The one power tool that is well worth the money in labor
saving,

even for the simplest

of boats,

is a % R electric

drill.

Other hand tools, such as a drawknife,

spokeshave.
bullnose
plane, rabbet plane,
and round-bottom
plane are out of the ordinary
but very handy in the building
of
some boats. If not on hand, these can be added as the need develops.
Essential
framing

tools for layout

square,

a level.

rule or measuring

tape,

work,

and useful

dividers,

and

but it should

from

start to finish,

a carpenters
not

pencil

be a cloth

your own long bolts from rod stock, a few thread-cutting

needed.
Another
handy tool, one that a boatbuilder

tape

are a 24 carpenters

compass.
that

Also essential

stretches.

is a

For making

dies and a die holder will be

cannot
do without,
is an ad-

justable
sliding bevel such as Stanley Tools No. 25 or No. 18. Thi: is used for transferring bevels from drawings
to the lumber
and picking up bevels in many ways, as you
will learn.

Needless

A relatively

to say, both

new kind

up in boatbuilding

is the Stanley

blade.

There

which

holds the blade

a scraper-like

are two blade

holder

carpenters

of tool that

with

Surform,

holders

in a curve,
a short,

is often
that

vises will be used.

for some of the little jobs that come

featuring

a unique

can be used like regular

two file-like
curved

and machinists
useful

holders,
blade.

The

throwaway
wood planes,

one of which
holders

rasp-like

is round,

for curved

one of
and also

blades

are
15

16

7001.S

ADlUmABLE

0.

L\PPED

.k?Llobk5

C. %AI=EFDoT

Figure

3-l.

particularly

;I tc,rcl bout t~ctilriirrg

tool.5 ltlrlt

good

The

in boat work.

D.

c-f CLAMP

E.

ADIU~-AI~LE

CHIP

blades

AUGER

BAL?

(lrv lrol cllzc~crqs/iJiltld

Surform

fiEVEL

ADZE

CLAMP

iI1 ttrc tlomiJ

cut wood,

plastic,

wortzstlo~.

and soft metals

such as lead.
It takes a lot of fastenings
twist drills.
latter

Thehc

kind

hardwood
useless.

even

though

or metal

In all but

to make

a boat sound;

come in two kinds,

the smaller

the drills
boats

car1 be bored

with ship augers

slow-turning

electric

and

there

drill you will need

steel and high speed. Be sure to get the

because drilling a series of holes in
expensive,

they are more

heats

so for the electric

carbon

the carbon

will be some

steel

holes

bits will burn

required

and

become

for long bolts.

These

with and without center lead screws. The latare preferred

because
they make it
ter, called barefoot
augers by boatbuilders.
If auger holes are made with power, a heavy duty,
easier to keep a hole on course.
technique

drill

is a must.

like to use a twist drill

long enough,

you must extend

it up, with the extension

motor

available

Some
rather

them

smaller

builders
than

by welding

than

and

you must

an auger.

If the standard

a rod onto

the drill diameter,

develop

your own

drills

are not

the drill shank and trueing

if necessary, to fit in the drill

chuck.

You will learn

The screws

must

that a great

many

all be sunk

into

woods or. with softwoods,

To reduce

the number

and counterbores

wood screws are used in modern

drilled

to prevent

of separate

on the market.

holes to enable

the wood from

drilling

operations,

them

splitting
there

boat construction.

to be driven

into

hard-

as the screws are driven.

are patented

countersinks

Both of these tools first drill a hole for the body of the

TOOLS
screw;

the countersink

screw,

while

gadgets

then

both

eliminating

have

an

much

of available

similar

or less the same job.

sheet

to the profile

name

have

for these

diameters
they

and

equal

a stop

drills

drills

and

of screws.
thus

pilot

They

are

of the

plug.

valuable

These

time-savers:

of working

Unfortunately,

twice

the range

expensive

construction

that

do

they were stamped

out of a steel

one for clearance

of the screw

of the screw at the root of the threads,

of the drill
bits,

can

expendable.

the head

be desired.
of more

two diameters,

to the diameter
screw

and

look as though

on the shank

is wood

lengths

are cheap

These

to take

for a wooden

on fastenings.

tools

of a screw and have

and one about

makes

of hole

as might

drilling

hole

of drills and the necessity

in the chapter

sizes is not as extensive

more

some

for depth
changing

are shown

the hole

a straight-sided

adjustment

are also some

shank,

up by shaping

drills

baclr-and-forth

on every hole. These

There

follows

the counterbore

17

to control

and

they

be burned

These

depth

are sold

when

and

of the hole.

One

in sizes for various

drilling

hardwoods,

bits are also shown

but

in the rhapter

on

fastenings.
Old-hand
especially
nail

boatbuilders
when

often grind

twist drills

a hole is to be made

fastening.

The

tapered

point

to a tapered

completely

does not

through

tear

point

similar

the wood

the wood

to a gimlet,

for a rivet or clout

as the drill

goes through.

One of the traditional

tools of the boatbuildpr
is the adze. Ihis tool is shaped
hoe and is still in use in yards that build vessels with heavy timbers.
Boatbuilders
ally use the lipped
of the blade.
skilled

adze,

The

workman,

foregoing,
chances

heavy

in the hands

the guidance

it will be apparerlt
mention

has

are good

that

your home

go ahead

and

start

one of the most useful

size. For straight
in a small

shop.

and,

edges at the ends

when

pieces

in the hands

of wood.

who

of a

The adze can

of the inexperienced,

of someone

so it is best to

has plenty

lumber

if the planking
and

hatch

because

ference

being

ury for small

quantities

in bearings

mozt

because

of adze

time

but small
labor-saving

now than
which

and

for cutting

decks.

and

should

curved

for cutouts

If
ex-

By far

be 12 or 14 in
will do most jobs
A portable

planking

for
out

of

depth

such as for pqrtlights

As in the case of the %-inch

Stick to a good grade
lines and better

thus in life expectancy.

screwdriver.
power

ever before.

arbor

the

really

the saw is set to cut out little more

have competitive

screws

and

of them.

tools arent

can be a labor-saver.

saw you can find.

and power,

hand

from the

need,

saw but does have some use, particularly

in plywood

is an electric

these

omitted

ever

with many

saw with tilting

also be used

makers

will

equipped

not essential,

for a table

saber

you

common

A saber saw is invaluable

openings

of anything
of the

while

It can

even repuLable
boats

is already

table

is not too thick

do not buy the cheapest

brand,

One

panels.

tools have been

that

is the bandsaw,

rircular

jointer,

saw is a poor substitute

thickness.

of most

anyway,

for boatbuilding

A 4.inch

some hand

workshop

boat

cuts an 8-inch

up plywood

the hull

that
made

as you go along.
workshop
are more

circular

the plank

been

your

cutting

drill,

when

but

pensive and can be bought

Power tools in the home

than

the grain

his belt.

As we progress.

not,

under

type with curled

across

tool for working

to the limbs

how to use one

under

is a smooth-cutting

is a wonderful

also be dangerous
learn

which

adze is used diagonally

like a
usu-

electric
in a good

lines.

Somewhat

but it is a tremendous

labor-saver

the difof a luxwhen

are to be driven.
tools

is the

sander,

and

it helps

in

prevent

boredom,

too.

planking

The

whether

is good

fiberglass.

for wood or fiberglass,

Again,

up joinerwork.
Another

power

labor-saver

during

plane,
This

is all that

familiarity

Sources

and

longer

one such

as the S-inch

a certain

up lead

about

ability

so dont

a luxury,

of boats

used for smoothing

than

ballast

tools because,

down

sander

of

the best,

skimp.

but which

is an enormous

25 feet long,
plane

made

is an electric
by Skil. This

keels.

as mentioned

with woodworking

the seams

is about

is used by the pros for smoothing

in sanders,

be considered

is a lightweight

as cutting

the orbital

in the introduction,

tools has been

assumed.

for Tools

.4 few places
both

are mentioned

below

for woodworking

of course, Sears,
revised annually.
Brookstone

Company,
Wood
Wade

and

that

are

metaiworking.

known

for stocking

One of the largest

a good

selection

of

and best known

is,

but not everyone

knows that they put out a fine tool catalog that
order:
Here are some others know]! to me, listed in alphabetical

Craftsman
Garrett

is important

might

will be said

jobs

the belt sander

the construction

been

for such

For finishing,

and

quality

tool that

All you need

tool has even

tools,

disc sander

and for sanding

I27 Vose Farm

Service

Co.,

Road,

Peterborough,

New Hampshire

is

03458.

Co., 2727 South Mary Strcc:, Chicago,

Illinois 60608.
302 Fifth Avenue,
New York, New York 10001. (This

Inc.,

ca:alog
is so beautifully
illustrated
it should bc a collertors
item.)
W.1,. Fuller Inc., P.0. Bax 8767, Warwick,
R.I. 02888. (They sell the barefoot
wood auger hits shown in Figure :I- 1 .)
Wetzler Clamp Co., Inc.. 43-15 11th Street. Long island City, New York 11101. (A
manufacturer
of clamps only and will sell direct IO boatbuildcrs.)
313 Montvalc
Avenue,
Woburn,
Massachusetts
01801.
Woodcraft
Supply Corp.,
(Another

house with a nicely

ing.)
Woodworkrrs
New Mexico

Supply,
X71 12.

illustrated

Inc.,

P.O.

catalog
Box

that

14117.

lowers ones resistance

11200

Menaul

NE,

to purchasAlbuquerque,

Chapter

Wood

is ow of the c,asit>st materials

rtlmain:;

a favoritt*

marerials.

of

many

Not ail woods

out of which

proft5sionais.

nrr sui~nblr

the amateur

tIrspirt*

It is beyond

provtn rlutahit*
st rengr h

the scope of this hook 10 morth rhan scrarch

wc~ocl, even when

our discussions

iimite(1

I0 rhe trees found

10 the small

numher

onr

the surface

in rhe llnited

01 commonly

a boat.

and ir

tht* grc-at growth

in synthctit
howcvcr.
so as we go along.

for bonthuiiding.

1tit-rt- will I)t%commtn~s

OII IIKW kill& tl~a~ have
(ltXir;ll)lt qualities
sought
anal have I he necessary

can build

States

accepted

of I he most

on rhts subjrcr

dlone,

boatbuilding

of

so I will limit
woods

and

how the lumber is manufactusrri

rain woods from boatbuilding
dccavq

and

availabltordinary
that

shortness

lrom logs. A few reasons for the elimination

of cerare brittleness.
softness.
weakness.
susceptibility
to
of growth.
On the orher hand there are rime-tested
woods

that have lhe net.essary

iurnber~ard.
Fortunately

fully untlers:ands

Ihe builder
TV.

Sawing

but rhese rypes can seldom be found in an

every area where boats are built has a yard

the nec~ls of the hoathuiider.

rile aid of such a supplier

lherc should

qualities.
aimosi

to obtain

ht. no compromise
is consideI~ecl.

the high

in the matter

the t-xtra ~0sI and

and the amateur

grade

lumber

of lumber
trouble

needed

quatiry.

of good

is advisrd

to seek

for long hull life.

for when the labor

material

of

is of little conse-

of Lumber

Grain

is formed

tation

has much

by the angle

orirntation

in boards

been

and

felled

of the annual

to do with the suitability

depends

trimmed.

upon

rings with the face of a hoard

of the lumber

how rhe lumber

it is easy for the lumberman

for use in boats.

is GUI from
to run

and its orienThe grains

logs. After a tree has

the log through

a saw
19

A.
Figure

PLAIN

e.

SAWN

QUARTER

SANM

4- 1.

and cut it into boards

as shown

in A of Figure

4- 1. -!-his is called

plain

sawing,

and all

but one or two of the boards sawn from the log in this manner
are called slash grain or
tlat grain.
A more expensive
and more wasteful
method
of cutting
up the log. B in
and the rrsultinp;
boards are known as rift, verFigure 4- I 1 is ralicd quarter
sawing.
tical.

or edge-grain

boards.

It can be seen from

Figure

4-2 that a few boards

from the

nlidtilc clt it plain-sawn

iog have rift grain just like quarter-sawn
lumber,
but the ma,joritv 01 tllr~ I)l;tin sawn boartls arta not tlf3ir;tblr
for I~OilI~~llildil~g, as will h showl~.

Seasoning
Wood

for ,tlmost

content

prewnt

,~ny purpose

or more

the weight

sorption

by the ceil walls

wood

has taken

at a11 must

of the log. Ihere

and

on as much

4-2.

time

or scbasoned to reduce
the content

are two ways that

absorption

into

SAWN

LOG7

thr moisture

may be as much

wood contains

the cell cavities

as the cells will hold,

FLAlh;

Figure

be tlricd

when thr tree is cut , at which

as half

moisture,

themselves.

When

abthe

the wood is said to be at the fiber

ilOOU

saturation

point.

percent,

In this condition

and no shrinkage

process

ot reducing

hoatbuilding

the moisture

material,

level is wanted,

the moisture

takes placc un:il

content

to about

and this is when

wood

shrinks

further

content

of the wood averages

this percentage

15 percent,

the wood shrinks.

if more

is reduced.

moisture

about

Seasoning

an acceptable

After

it seasons

is removed

21

25

is the
level for

to whatever

and swells if more

moisture
is taken on. Shrinking
or swelling is greatest in a direction
parallel to the annual rings, thus slash-grain
boards cup more than rift-sawn ones and appear as shown
in Figure

4-YA dfter

reducing

thickness

seasoning.

than

Shrinkage

width,

of rift-sawn

producing

boards

lumber

with grrater

tlian flat-grain
ones (Figure 4 :!H), and t<br 1hia rcasrjn
planking.
tlccking.
and other boar parts.

tends

more

dimensional

rift -bdwn lumber

t.oward
stability

is desirable

for

Thrrt* are two methods

used for seasoning
wood. and the mention
of the merits of
one versus the other just might start an argument
in the local t)oat shop. There are
those

who will accept

depending

upon

only

I hr

air-dried

thickrl:*ss

wood

is tht- best for boatbuilding.

done

right

in boatyards.

for material,

lumber,

of the
and

On the other

so ;he lumber

is often

a process
It is

pieces.

on nutnerous
hand.

place-d

that

gt*~lt*rilll~

modern

can take several years,

accepted
that air-dried

occasionh

1 hate

production

in a kiln to be dried

cannot

seen this being

wait too long

in a number

of days.

Drying boat lumber by this nlethod

uct of thr kiln wilt have a moisture

mus: be done with care. because the normal prodcontent

a:;,low as eight percent,
v herc,s time has
the moisture
content
(if boat material
shown
111th drying
mctl~od.
with many accepting
15 percent
as ideal.
sliould
he between
12 and 16 ptarccnt,
of the lumber .v,,ight when
Moisture c~ontent, incidentally,
is expressed as ;: pt-rcentage
llldl

Itgitl-dlt?iS

Of

cwen dry.
Drying
surface

illld

in a kiln spcbc-ds up thr t-vaporation

of m,)isture,
causing
fast drying on the
slow drving inside, and is said to affect both the strength
and elasticity of

the wood.
cessively
and

Lumber
during

for boats

the building

swell unduly.

be used

leave

the selection

boatbuilding.
and

checks,

made

properly
These
decay.

not

of the wood

results.

the moisture
The

to the experts

also know

or nondurable

or it will shrink

that

sapwood.

and

it be too dry or it will absorb

types of planking

for determining

for correct
people

be too green

nyr must

In the case of some

very serious.
There are meters
must.

must
period.

boat

PX-

moisture

the latter

condition

could

content

of wood.

and

best procedure
who understand
lumber

check

should

for the amateur

the requirements
not have large

be
they
is to
of

knots

Kinds of Wood
In the northeastern
this

country

part of the United

was

the

born,

established

long

other

of the country,

parts

areas

frames

east,

or Alaska

cedar

or Douglas

of wood

makes

little

materials

that

with untried

members

with

might

be yellow

pine

mav

products

Coast.

rot in a short

was
from

added

made

to

in certain

for boatbuilding.

As a

but keel, deadwood,

and

white oak in the North-

As tong as it is proven.

involves

time

in

woods
lumber

has been

being

woods

in the South,

but a boat

native

lands,

localities.

boatbuilding

the years,

foreign

these

fir on the West

difference,

available

Through

from

be of oak in most

backbone

tike to think

certain

of local

experience

would

many

its worth.

with substitutions

other
choice

of using

has proven

of satisfactory

example,

where

as well as material

woods,

as a result

typical

practice

ago. and time

the list of suitable

States,

too much

.rr be brittle

the

work to gamble

or not hold

fasten-

ings.
As a guide,
approxitnate

1 give here a list of good

weights

moisture

per board

woods,

together

foot (one foot square

with principal

properties

by one inch thick)

and

at 12 percent

content.

White

Oak

Weight

al.2 l~Oll~~llS

iItlO~ll

tionally well. Easily steam-bent,

should be green. not seasoned.
ktbcl, stem,

dradwood,

(11.

stiff,

I)Uleat)lt~,

(htilty).

and

strong,

holds fastenings

excrp.

thus excellent
for frames, but for this purpose
Also used extensivrlv
for all !rackbonr
members

~hd

oak grows

white*

iI1

?kw

Enghnd.

and

it

is

the oak
such as

dxilJln~tic

that the most dtrrablc oak ib from trees felled during

the winter when the sit11 is not
flowing. (Set- Winter Cutting
vs. Summer
Cutting
following
the description
of Alaska
cedar.)
oak.

11 should

be noted

lhe red varietv

when

it is at

Douglas
Weight

aii possible

and

about

)
,.!I

importance.

California.

plywood

to tind

is a much
less durable

white

panels.

greater
than

supply
white

01 red oak than

oak and

white

is to br avoided

oak.

and

Pine

(Longleaf!

Weight

about

useful

for stringers,

when light weight

is not of

~oI-

IO house

3.4 pounds
clamps,

keels,

and straighl-graincd.
for Sitka sfrruce

planking
whtn rift sitwtr. Grows it; Oregon,
Washington.
from which veneer is peeled for manufacture
into
Logs dre IiligC.
Douglas fir is often called Oregon
pine. Green fir is often found in

Yellow

oak

Strong

for spars as it substitute

catering

for stringers,

(metlium).

t)ounds

lumber
vards
scasoiling.

white

there
and

Fir

c~fitmfrs. scrmctimes
utmost

here

is weaker

builders

(heavy).

Strong,

and for planking

deadwood,

etc.

and

May

this should

not be used without

very durable,

and straight-grained.

if weight

is not a factor,

be available

in good

further

Used

also as a substitute
long

lengths

for

in some

localities.
this.

Has been

Grows

reported

in Southern

as not durable

United

States

in fresh water.

in Atlantic

and

but

Gulf

I cannot

substantiate

states.

-White Pine
Weight

about

of which
decks

were

2.1 pounds
used

in yacht

because

building.

the wide,

but the dubious

struction.

White

(tight).

clear

is seldom
boards

durability

except

Genuine

in the construceion

for inlerior

seen

available

of many

northern

white

of sailing

ships

nowadays.
make

varieties

pine.

years

White

pine

it a tempting

makes

enormous
ago and

quantities

often

for laid

is mentioned

material

here

for the amateur,

this wood undesirable

for boat con-

joinerwork.

Cedar

Weight about 1.9 pounds (tight). Atlantic

white cedar, which grows near the Atlantic
roast from Maine IO northern
Florida and westward along the Gulf coast to L,ouisiana.
is also known
strong.

as juniper.

southern

1,111its uniformity

moisturetight

r;nt)idty.

taycsr is usually
wit II or wilhout
trunk

swamp

cedar,

and boat cedar.

It is not

for planking.
are especially

Soaks up
good for

and resistance

bum shrinkage

I;lt)str;lk(* t~lank4

white crdar,

10 rot make it excellenr

is tow. ho[h of which qualities

I)oals [11;1[ art* atrt~rnal4y

in and

OUI of the water. Sapwood

lhal is. plain-sawn
boards

thin. Atmosr always suppliett

as flirches.
I)arti on I ht. r~tgc*s. I Iic*sc*boat hoards tat)c*r in width sanx- as the tree

;~ntl I.;II~ IN* art~~al~t,I~:c~clusly usect for Ilull t)Iankinj=.

Port Orford

Cedar

clear.
and srraight-grained.
Weight
ah0ul
Z.-l puntis
(iigilr ). Moderarely
strong,
1 Irartwcxxi VVI-;C~c*sis[ant iti rot I!4
for planking
and bright finisht*tt decks. Grows in
sout I)(,111Orc*gon ;11i(t nor-rllc~ri

CI,llifornia

anti IS d material

familiar

tht* woo(1 lrtrm wl1ic.h \;ISI rlurnlwr~ 4 vene!ian

b!ind s!a!s have
ttisrinc~li~~t~ st1ic.v o(t01 thih wood wah scarcch in the tare 1!)7Os.

Wcstcrn
Wt.ight
and

made.

as

Has a

Red Cedar
ahout

1 .!I f)ounAs

twgr hs for planking.

rnal~riai

to thcb tavman
been

(lighl).

Ilighly

1lli.s wood.

rvsisldnl
howt ver.

10 rol and
is soft and

availahltweak.

in good widths
thus

not the htst

ior (his purpose.

Cypress
Modvralcly
slrcmg.
(rncdiuni~.
Mcighl at)out 2.X founds
rot. Llscd for f)ianking
wlww wc,ight is not ;I f;l<.tor hrcausc
cxttnl.

making

for a h<nil\v boar aflt,r a short

heartwood

very rtxistanr

it steaks up water

rime in [ht. ivattr.

to

IO a great

Grows in southern

low

swamplands

of the United

who understands

Sitka

States.

If you wani

in a boat.

fmd a supplier

strength

for its weight,

Spruce

Weight

about

2.4 pounds

and availability
a narrow

(tight).

in long, clear

strip

from

craft

quality.
aircraft

Spruce

(Northern

believe

under

spars

shrinkage,

high

it ideal

for spars.

to Alaska.

Not

have proper

it or not,

there

particularly

care.
are

Grows on Pacific

Stilt available

always

Coast in

resistant

plenty

10 rot,

in 1980 in airof amateur-built

construction.

White)

Weight about 2.4 pounds (tight).

Used for deck and hull framing
Grows

make

California

when

because

wooden

Moderate

lengths

northern

but this is not detrimental

High strength
for weight. not very resistant
to rot.
where weight-saving
is the primary
consideration.

in New England.

Philippine
Weight

Mahogany

about

laucl~l and
trim

to use cypress

this.

3.0 pounds

tnn~llr

attractive

for

mahoganies.
relatively

darker

Weight

varies

and

and

trim.

color

considering
as firsts

are exlcnsively
When

Somewhat

vary

more

iis qualiiies.

for woods

ior planking

for color

difficult
Holds

According

10 finish
fastenings

boatbuilders

as
and

and is

and grain

io one iarge

and the better

known

used for planking

material

srtrc~ed

considerably.

and seconds

than
well

true
and

importer.
prefer

it is
is
the

the more

red variety.

from medium

to heavy.

and
planking

than
more
and

expensive.
finish

nyankom,

Honduras,

exterior

the so-catl?d

Lemwerder,
Germany,
builders
African
mahoganies
are Khava

finish,

Philippine

Honduras
material.

Mexican,

and African

mahoganies

and interior

joinerwork

of flile yachts.

mahoganies,

are better

looking,

or Mexican
According

mahogany

to

Abeking

is a favored
and

Rasmussen

easier
firstnf

of some of the finest yachts in the world, suitable

iz~orcnsis. Sipo utile, Sapeli aboudikro and Niangon

and if this firm uses these kinds

past Abeking
and Rasmussen
stated
that arc riot suitable,
so here again
woods.

that

name

and an excellent

for this purpose.

used for planking.

are heavier

10 finish,
quality

is the market

Mahoganies

have all been

They

sides

inexpens,vt

expensive,

Other

of builders

cabin

is known

Islands

It is decay.resistant

Hardness

besr grade

This

in the Philippine

in this country.

used by the finest

(medium).

they should

be acceptable

to anyone.

In the

that there are other kinds of African mahoganies

it is a case of dealing
with a reliable supplier of

WOOD

25

Teak
Weight

about

durable.
The

3.5

pounds

Has a natural

acceptable

States

that

kind

teak trim

dulls

bottom

tools quickly,

White

as strong

excludes

as people

moisture

and thus

or Thailand

think.

trim.

Teak

decks

to a whitish

finish

that,

in the opinion

Worms

shrinkage.
in the United

are noe coated

as a rule;

of many,

has no

are not fond of teak, so this

of a keel as protection
Teak

extremely

has minimum

for decks and

the bottom

but

and is so expensive

has a rich appearance.

is often used to sheath

anti-fouling

Not

in Burma

periodically

Varnished

wood

oil that
is grown

its use is reserved

they are scrubbed

equal.

(heavy).

paint

is rubbed

off.

adding

somewhat

lo the cost of working

in case some of the toxic

also contains

a gritty

substance

that

it.

Ash

Weight

about

durable.

3.4 pounds

Used

desirabtp.

for deck

Suitable

for sailboat

(heavy).
beatns

Straight-grained.

as a substitute

for s:tAam-bending

tillers

and

and

an old standby

strong

for its weight.

for oak where

used for small

and

very

reduction

in weight

is

boat

frames;

also a favorite

or

tamarack.

for oars.

Hackmarack
Weight

about

3.1

pounds

durable.

Only

the

roots,

(medium),
from

also

which

called

natural

larch

crooks

arc

made,

are

Tough
used

and

for boat-

huitding.
Slems
hancl.
Ahrking

for small boats and knees are cut from rhc-se crooks. On rhe other
and R;~sI~~ss~~~ once told nit that larch was tht-ir sc:ctmtt choice

(twtlind

mahogany)

African

Alaska

Cedar

Weight

ahout

2.6 pounds

very

resistant

used

for keels in areas

fkartwood

Summer

the old hands

white

Wood:

.-I Manual
of Ships,
old belief

Straight-grainrd.
shrinkage

sapwood

moderately

usually

narrow.

oak it was noted

the most

that

in the opinion

durable

wood comes

of a jolt to come

For Its I/w As .4 Shipbuilding

lumber.

heartwood

Cutting

it was something
1957.
still given

strong.

when seasoned.
Good for planking
and
southeastern
Alaska to southern
Oregon.

it is grown,

in boatbuilding,

therefore

summer-cut

where

yrttow,

about

winter:

than

Minimum

vs. Winter

Cutting

In the remarks

Bureau
An

(medium).

to decay.
is bright

fclr planking.

wide currency
The

belief

is that

is based

of most.
from

trees felled

across the following

Material,
winier-cut

if not all, of
in the

paragraphs

Colurn~ I, U.S.
lumber

on the erroneous

is more

assumption

in
Navy

durable
that

in

26

L1001)

the sap is down, while

winter,
tually,

sap in winter
The

sound

objection

if left exposed

and

by insects

attack

sawing

after

felling,

damage

Strength

the sap is up, in the living

that

standtng

trees contain

tree.

about

Ac-

as much

and
and

to summer-cut

to high summer
decay
good

to summer-cut

fungi.
piling

lumber

is that

temperatures
Reasonable

and

logs are more

likely

t;lat may accelerate

precautions,

seasoning

particularly

methods,

remove

prompt

the danger

a comparison
in order

of strengtlis

of strength,

with

is of interLast, the woods mentioned

the weight

per board

foot again

above

are listed

shown.
pOU&S

White

ash

3 .-I

Cypress

2.8

White

oak

4.2

Sitka

2.4

3.4

Northern

2 9

Port

ltbak

3 .!I

Alaska

c-<hda~

liackmatack
llondur-as
mahog;~*ly

3.1

White

cedar

2.6
1.9

2.9

White

pine

2.1

Philippint

:3. 0

Western

Yellow

pint

Ih~~glas

fir

"nlilhOp~~IlV"

it is recommrndcd
Iltrrrtlhook

ASS

of

material.

pound3

under

to

checking

vs. Weight

Because
below

conclusively

as in summer.

only

deteriorate

such

in the summer.

tests have demonstratt-d

that those who want IO learn

of the Forcast Products

Recommendc,d

Design

lhe strength

white

Orford

2.4

spruce

2.4

cedar

1.9

red ct*dar

more

U.S.

about

Department

wood acquire

the CVood

of Agriculture.

listed

in this book.

Stresses for Wood

of a few c:f the foregoing

t.lns.\l~g Kt~lrrfi)rwtl
of Shipping,

Reading

Laboratory,

spruce

woods

are listed

in the Huks /or LSuilding and

Iicls~tr~ ~P.uv/.\, a new ( 1978) publication

the American

counterpart

of L!oyds

Register

of the American
of Shipping.

Bureau

ABS specifies

that the wood be of best quality,

well seasoned,
clear, free of defects adversely affecting its strength.
and with grain suitable
for the purpose
intended,
and lists allowable
tlt-.~grr .\[rc\.st~J
in pounds

per square

inch

as follows:
Est ronl(J

SptTitJs

Comprt~ssion

FiSer in

Parallel

Rrn ding

to Grain

Ash, whit<
Cedar,
Alaska

1866
1466

1466
1066

Fir ~ Douglas

2000

1466

lIOO1)
Extwvrv

I.cll,lf,rr~.ssiorl

Fiht,r

111

Ihrtlllt~l

&~I! tir t1.g

If)

Gruin

Mahogany

2330

1333

Oak,

white

1866

1333

Pine,

longleaf

2000

1466

Spruce,

yellow

Sitka

Teak
* 35 punf1.t

per

~01~

/ool

mini~num

27

1466

1066

l!JOO

1200

uvrght

Plvwood
Panels

composed

items

that

awaited

of layers of wood veneers

werr

to be protected

the ctcvelopment

off a boom

of plvwood

by amateurs
almost

on

and

in the marinr

produc:ion

fibtsrglass

glued

use of completely

basis.

Plywood
because

but

than

boartls

have

boat

weight

and sailb;,;?ts
lot of time.
Although

hulls.

as decks

and

plvwood
tion.

panel5

unless

fit on a surface
mentioned

has compound
it has been

ings.

Only

expr.rieric.t% can

If you should

happen

for

for limited-

bulkheads

t(r tBa(.l1 other.

instead

of a number

it is not theoretically

found

curvature.

and

plywood

in-

panel5

that

of small

pieces can save a

to plank

a hull

with

shaped the hull for such construcbe bent in two direc:ions

at once to

However

the bottom

help vou with

in both powerboats

possible

in reft~renct-

pl;rnking

wilh thca use of stratt$cally

I:) the exceptions

of certain

arc-bottomed

(~l,tmp5 and fastrn-

IOti1lttl

this.

to have a set of plans

that it should be planked

with plywood.
wise, check with him first to see whether
major

supc~rstructure5

can be of importance*

t ht. designtar llas speciallv

2, plywood CdnnOt

hulls can br niatlt~ of plywood

gone

is still a place

used for structural

in Chapter

that

above.

that

with panels

thrrc* art exceptions.

As nit-ntioned

There

dntl have advantages

over regular lumber,
rompletelv
of wood. Due to t hc* st iftness of plywood

of boats made
a matter
can br savc~i
and working

manufacturers

thickness

even for solne parts

panels,

touched

but mostlv

and it is extensively

of equal

purposes

This

stock

tcsrior joinrrwork
in hulls of all construc.tion
types.
Being made of thirl layers of wood srrurcly
bonded
are stiffer

use for marine

adhesives.

is sti!l ttsed for this purpose

c~f fibrrglass

fit-ld for suc.h parts

wet-e used for man): years for

their

waterproof

the

line building

boats,

together

the weather,

hull building.

a one-off

tc)tally to production

plywootl

from

for the boat you want

and get the notion

cven though the designer

has specified otherit is feasible. This procedure
may save you a

heartbreak.

Plywood
each other,
alwavs
plywood,

is made by laying up thin layers of wood with tile grain at right angles to
and the number
of layers is always cldri so that the <grain of the face plies is

parallel.

The

for instanct-.

number
might

of plies
have

and

two thin

their

thickness

are

important.

faces ant I a relatively

thicker

Cheap
inner

k
ply.

MOOD

whereas
can

a better

readily

relatively

grade

be seen
weak

when

against

the grain
ciently

a knife

for a smooth
cracks

worst whe;l

ing,

using

called
paini

that

;I f,lywood

Fir f,lywootl

kind

at its desired

is exposed

matfe

is acceptable

work that

f)e of nlarine

grade.

This

paint

or with one of the durable

guarantees

fjroof adhesive,
that a minitnum
number
voids in thrs inner f,lir3 are minitnal.

Plywood

Grading

Previous

ctlitions

tnanufa(.turt~r.

of this

book

I1.S. Plvwood

for an updatcb on what is availaf)lc

complete

gr-ading

the times.

ilkformation

becausx

there

data

plastic

than

wds available

suffi-

develops
is at its
is used

manufac-

with either

laminates

is to be covered
or for interior

one

such as

with a synjoinerwork,

are bonded

by a large

Champion

for boatbuilders

is a for of plywood

finish

with water-

are used in thr, face plies, and that

furnished

now called

to tame

or plywood

the veneers

of patches

carried

Corp.,

that

a paint

is to be covered

Formica.
It can also be used for planking
and decking that
thetic cloth. such as fiberglass
and resin.
Plvwood for any purpose in a f)oar, whether for planking
should

thus most of

difficult

to achieve a first-class paint job.

the fir with a sealer before paint-

by one of the marine

vinvl wall coverings

oband

goes on. This situation

it difficult
by coating

for interior

fir.To

but even when the plywood

to the elements.

can make
somewhat

It

will be

in a lathe

thickness;

sn that

as time

of Douglas
placed

and in fir it is indeed

in number

thickness.
panel

ply.

fogs are

badly

equal

three-ply

is made

the

Fir also checks

greater

sealer

of the inner

peels the veneer

finish.

of about
the

of plywood

paneis.

wild grain,

become

tht plywood

of the modern

to the grain

edge that

e,ch

construction,

plywood

in interior joinerwork,
checking
Such checking can be alleviated
turers.

angle

parallel

for making

is flat g-ain,

hairline

right

and inexpensive

the fir veneer

turned

with

bent

The most common

tain

will have five plies of wood,

that

rrsuftcd
before.

around

marine

Building

in the receipt
This

plywood

Products.

Asking

of eben more

has got to be a sign of

of horrible

quality.

Mat-inc.-gratis
plvwood panels art laminated
with waterproof
phenol-formaldehyde
or rc*sorc.incll glut>. anrf th:, fac(* f)lics are all grade A veneers. while there is a choice
grade

A or gracfr

H backs.

ior(*s. tlot h gratltb

of either

Douglas

fir or fauan

detail,

although

there

is little

you can do ;tf,out what is produced

Kf*f);tir5 in ;I gratlc* A ~;I(x, art limitt~cl IO ninc* in ;I -I x K-foot panel.

masinlum

01six vtbnecr f)atl.ht*s. Intchrs

4 x 8 pantbl.

for

B.

Cfertb is ;I I)it morr

todav.

~lhertb is also a choice

of

11~ panel

it: a ~gratle I3 back are limited

cores art of grade

B I~ougfas fir or fauan.

four (ori* gaf)s in any ply. with (ore gaps not to exceed

including

to eighteen

with no more

a
in a
than

$ , and with none of t hesr gaps

suf~erimf)ost~d.
Marine

plywood

and A-B: rnaritle

A-A and

A-2.

panels
rotary

(An

art offered

lauan.

A-A panel

species; A-R ot- A-2 indicates

Champion
has a marine
CrrZon

overlay

grades

in the following

types:

marine

fir. grades

A-A

means

A-A and A-2; and marinr

ribbon fauan. grades
both sides are of the same grade of the same

the back
Durapfy

plv is of B or ;I? grade of the same species.)

panel with a paper like resin-impregnated

on the face and back.

This panel

is good

for bulkheads

and partitions

llOI)l)

[flat arp to br painlcd.

Duraply
ribbon

lhr fat-? VCntcrs untft-r- the trvt-rlay arc* pdich-frcc

is also made
fauan

wiLlI a C:rvZon fact, (II? qratft* B fir and C1rofarv or

thv ventbcr ulltivr I~W C:rc%c,n <an I)c f)ouFlas fir, f,ur

hefortb.

rhr wild grain

fini5fl.
.fhr m:lrlrlcs ttbak f>an(*fs matfv
teak

vrnrer)

grain

fjfain-slicvcl

variarions

IIIt

II.S

f~fvwooti.

will f)c visif)lr.

:lIlti

ChilIll~S~t~Il.

rtrail

i,, rlol the

fly dtzrcclrtf

rflrough

a paint

1,,,I (rflib is [flick for a

I0 lotarv

cut
niatchcd
for color and
afic,:>rctf. <;r;l(fy A-.,j is used when

indications
grade

witfl a hi:;t!jry of making

1IOWtVlI

her SillC~~comparlv.

usuaffy

al-v f;l<cyf witfl

othrrwist.

t~ltv sUp])lV

concxr11 tflal

All0ltlt~l'

X cxmiparcd

f)urf and knot

grad? B backs.
Cflampion
is a company
rnatc~rials.

of the fir tan

f)\. C~hnmf~ion

lcbak

wilh snlalf

horh sidvs of tflc- pancf

f)uiftiing

fauan.

as Lgratfr GIS.

f)ac k. Optionally.

as mrntionvcf

rotar\l

29

fflcir f,ro(lucts
vard

tunittu

onfv

,A- 2 is availahfv

ourftqs

witi) a choice

wtaif known
br.atttqxyi

of

as float.

rflroughout

SOI::~~

for \va~c~rf,roof marinr-gratfc

carcvcyf I0 f)o;iIf)uif~f~*rs ov(*r tfjcs yy;irh is -ffltb kfar-

IIdS

l-101 Kuswff Strt-t-r,

~11 spccim of fmnt~fs

fir,
mafrcjgany-like:
~la11c.l ~all~i

lvak. an(f
Bruvn;rwl

Baf~inlc)l-t~ , Marvlanti
2 1230. lrv Harbor forot!lcrwisr.
.ff~cv usually
carrv il Dutch-made
th.~l is superbfv nla(fr, aff)eit ;1 flit t)rl the heavy

4th..
Plywood

Panel

Sizes

fflf- lolfowinq ih
01 f)fvM.()o~f f)CIntf sin-s
tiic,;llc-ti II? *) ;Intf Ifarf)or Salt3 (intfic~arcd fq
il

rill)lC

.\I(Irlrrf I*/1
, (3.f,lV) 4x s !hi 4 10* + 14-f*
Iy (.r,-pi) 48

? (:PpIy)
(i-f+)

!)li+

!o*

144*

in illt.ht3

i ).

IciH*
ItiX*

I!)P*

.I()*

48 s !W I0 4 I.14 +
4H s 96 4~ 121) + 11 I

, (7 p!y) 48 s !?(i* -

I0 + 144 +

I (i-ply) 4H s 96 + I0 *
I Iq (!I-f,lY) 4x s 9ri

l-1-f +

1 I.> ( 11 .ffV) -fH s 9ti*

Murlrrf~

I~fll~lrp

l.tll/illl

( (?I plv) .lH s !)(i

(.:,.plv)

,lH s !Mi I

I0 I.14
I0
- + 1.14* 4

IL(5.plv)

4x s 96 t

I0 4 l,fd +

,( (7.f,fY) 48 s wi*
,Varirrc
I,, (3.[IV)

Kihtwll

I0 i

f-14

l.nucltr

4x x Lx*

,Zln rlti f* 1)~ rajdy

, (5.]I?)

-18 Y 96

, (5.fjly)

48 x 96 * 120*

i-f-f* 16x* 192* !216* L-10

;Iv.lil;if)ft-

Iron1 (:h;imf)itrn

(iri-

SO

II 001)

Special
Both

Sizes of Plywood
(Ihampjon

Champion.
sviclttls

10

Ml,

imum

iiar bar

l+;trt)or

I hI( kwss

start5

Exterior

Grade

in sites

p,snrl:;

t on4stc .a
C1ti! ;i single

5alt.h. on tilt- ot ht.1 h,lnJ.

or i)allc-l5 ill an!

r,l H,

malit.

other

than

stock.

of $,,.
panels fr-on! b !o I IL thick in increments
(A friend of mine built several hundred
hard-chine

whmt* topsiti~* l,lanking

width

otfcrs

width,

with

panels

pant.1

on

each

in any length.

a maximum

length

side of about
with a maxof H1/2. Panel

at %.

Plvwood

1\23Ilv 1)uiltlt-1.5. ills lucling

rllar-int-

Salts\ 0ftc.r 10

mentions
for instance.
and ll*ngths ot Sti

,~ss;iulf h),irs
s(i feet.)

anti

me. have SIICc~ssfully

usrd

grath~.

hut LI huffi< icllt nurnhc*l c~f failures.

rt-c~orclt~d. Bwaus~ of this. the use ot c,xrt-r.ior grade

exterior

grade

plywood

sue_h as delamination,
is not recommended

instead

of

have been
unless

one is

~lh\ol~/(,l~ c,t,rfo/n that the panels ar,- made with truly waterproof
glue, that all voids
arc pluggc~l hv the- bui!dcr IO prevent the entrance
of water, and that the weaker conSIIEC tion

iniltbrc.llt

III I hc lesser number

of plies is suitable

for the job.

All in all, con-

>,idc-ring rho tr~~mt~ndous amount

ot troub!e
that could be caused by failure of this
~I~~JVO()(~lnatc~rial. thta hc,.~thuiltlt~r is ativisc:l against
gambling
his labor against the
\,l\in,g

iI1 lllq\t(-l-i.il ~051 ,gainerl

Cutting
IhIt.

IO

gra(lt-

Plywood
[Iit*

hitIt* w ht.11

Figure

i)v 1tI(. us( ot f.xtcricn

rtiili
4;lwtYl

4-4.

\t-ntt-t\

,~nct

th,l:

Ilidkt

utl .I

I).41~c~i

~~lvwo~~tl rt-ntl5 to 5)llinter

ti1 i\ 0111 01 ~IIc*WI~I~I itI ttii\

011 its undcr-

it3l)t*(t. :I 1)iec.e of solid

lumber

1lf~Ol~

c!amped
always

on the

Lightweight
there

of the panel

by a fine-toothed

portable

are blades

panels
held

underside

be made

circular

with

fine

are best smoothed

at an angle

Bending

will eliminate

crosscut

saws are handy

teeth

made

when

for just

with a low angle,

to the edge

rather

this

splintering.

saw with the face-side

than

much

sharp

block

parallel

up.

is to be cut.

and

The

plane

should

of the plywood

plywood

this purpose.

Cuts

31

edges

of plywood

set for a fine cut and

to it.

Plywood

Plywood can be bent to curvature

either dry or after it has been steamed.
If the latter
method is used, the panel must be dried before another
part can be laminated
IO it.
Sometimes

it is advantageous

to dry-bend

thickness.
The following
chart
panel wi!l take. Pant-l thickness

two panels

eat-h of half the desired

is a guide (not the gospel) to how much

and bending
radii are in inches.
,J cr0.n
Cirnitr

60
72

of laminated
often

!Jfi

3fi

solid

of the availability

wood

allows curved

means that large parts

ha~ltlI(*d. Ct)llI-rnol~lin~

7
Wi

I92

144

40

parts

144

or plywood

of watt-t-proof

to be made

particularly

that

laminated

beams.

Laminations

are tnuch
laminating

an assembly

that

solid

would

in hoat
at room

with minimum

construction
temperature.

waste of material

and

ICS:; likely

thr

material,

cheap

tluc to

hut the parts

are

wood asst~mblies of parallel

grain construi~tion.
ross grain in them if sawn from solid stock.

to check

does not increase

solid pieces jointed

in the conventic,nal
Builders with an interest in laminating
parts that otherwise
either strengthwise

trot necfxsarily

ilrt'

have

and

split

the strength

such as the stem showr, in A of Figure

for laminating
to a lamination,

cure

can be made of small pieces of wood readily obtained

and easiiv
antI str,il) l)lanking
as tit*sc~riI)t~(l latc*r art- t)ottl form5 01 \v(N,;I

sue-h as deck
although

he used

l.kIil

adhesives

parts
laminating
and so arc ho;low spars. Laminated
thtb time that must be taken to prt*pare the form and
strong,

a dry

(0)

24

<;lut~cl parts
Lamination

(;rclill

Wood

hc-cause

(W)

2
I I,
I!

Laminating

bend

P~~mllt~l to

I,,I

1:
,

II

finished

manner.
become

than
of the

non-laminated
wood

4-4 is greater
quite

ingenious

would be tedious to make

or from the standpoint

itself.
than

parts.

a1111

the strength

if it were made

at conr,oc.ting

or that wouid
of durability.

of
ot

forms

be inferior

3
. 9L

11001)

Fi,gure

4-4B shows the lamination

if sawn from
series

one piece of wood.

of cleats

clamped.
Another

is fastened

of a tiller.

The shape

in place

type of form

to secure

is shown

in C. and

$, thick,

like this would

the form
it can

which

stock or plywood.

Fir plywood

ably from

if you ask for it, can he bent

Harbor

A part

is laid out on a hoard

have cross grain

or on the floor,

to which

the lamination

he used for laminating

is available
quite

to laminate

will be

either

ftom Champion

sharply

and a

solid

and probsuch parts

as

deckhouse
roof corners. rockpit coaming
corners.
and the like. D is a sketch of a form
used to ,gluc up right- and left-hand
parts with twist, such as the bulwark
rails at the
bow of a boat
No matter

how the form

is constructed.

there

in all forms:

the form must

be covered

with waxed

glued

10 tlte part

Ihrrt~

being

of the lamination

thirt encrugh

to take the required

shape

have

time

in place

Wttt-tt

luml~c~

Icngtl1s

holding

I,umber

Scarphing

(a11

them

is nc)t ol~tainal~lt~

wood
just

IN* jcbinc*tl with gluecl

f~ant~l this way taktx

01 two sc,trf)tis.

01w

buitcling

firm

4X706,

is incleed

photograph.
ltlt~

the
I)y

magarines

such

ltlic*rs. M. 1..

that

they must
thin,

be

you will

to clamping.

lengths

shorter

with a ratio of Ic~t1gth-t(~~thickt~c~ss of 8 or

with a rig as shown

in Figure 4-h. and a similar

. scarl)t1ing
a wide ply-

Ilowevet

espec-ially

a toot caiteci

Brothers.

for the jot; at hand,

if you tta.le to set up the rig for

the Scarffer

Inc.,

706

slartin

to the amateur

and

profession,tl

put out by the boat -

Street,

L&1!; City.
alike.

Michigan

As shown

in the

is an attachment
for a portable
circular
saw.
it is said to cut a clean sc-arph with a single pass

has been

finding

Companv.
of the needs

I~oatlmilding
catering

f-/:\/lf~~~tWIl.

l-hey

white oak.

has

(long

Plains.

teak.

Hart-a

and cypress,

\Vctod & Supply

ad mentions

before

there

Rome

of hr?at builders.

C.;cnuc.

as well as plywood.
Company.
mail

Tampa.

been

39 West

cnder.
Florida

10603,

was such a thing

Sitka spruce,

Another

supplier

19th Street,

In the Snutheast,
33601.

reduced

in boating
of these sup-

New York

have always had a stock of fir. mahogany.

1001 I. Harras
301 North

wood

to b0irtlruilderS
and others. One

White

Avenue,

for as long as I c-an remember

is John

York

,~fl~r(J~I(L/

258 Ferris

Co111panv.

plywood!).

red cedar.

good

of supplirrs

1s i2c~JtlcQrtRf>cit,

advertising

New

of

~Cl~~t~itist~lll~~IltS

COIK~CJI~

in the Northeast

Lumber

prcrblem

IlIt*

as uutvrproof

aware

strips except

with a routet-.

-4 1;. the Scarffer

of good quality.

for Roatbuilding

I~ortun;1tc~lv.

Lumt:rr

prior

a lot of f)atience.

01 interest

Figure

son1cwI1;tt

York.

becoming

saw.

Sources

Uestcrn

be remembered
it from

If they are not sufficiently

llat -scarphs

Iry hand

Consc~quentlv

of Gclugecul

Llsc-ci with a saw blade

of

easily.

in long enough

tbc*cfc~\,&t~ctto cl0 t tits plaiting

(a11

that must

to prevent

and Plywood

IO to I Bciat-cls can be tapered

rig

paper

laminated.

is no rule for the thickness

a hard

is one thing

New
Logan

has alwhys been

IIOOD

Figure

4-5.

Huilhs
1att.r)

33

WINI wish to l)uil(t

art fortunatt~
c.rclar.

Wettbrn

rt4

nit-ranti.

whit~h is similar

witlrh~ and Irnghs

iI colti-molded

to havt~ a supplier
vtBrric;il grain

Douglas

to Ihili;~pine

t)y Iht~ Dr;In

for

Lompnv.

woodcn

hull

In vtnrer
fir.

mahoganv.

vt=rtical

(mart*

;tt,out

stc)rk,

eirhtbr

grain

Silka

.Ihis marcrial

Figure

4-6.
the

jiirm,
joints

by

The

grain

spruct~.

is scockrd

P.O. .Box -126. Grt*shatn.

out

this method
vertical

or red
in good

Ort-gon

Scarljfer,

97030.

put

Gougc~or~ Brothers

vs~mplifie.~
in plywood

cu/ting
sheets.

scarph

34

lI:OOL)

Prevention

of Wood Decay

The first step in the prevention

boats,

and it should

rot, Decay
present

be remembered

is caused

For the fungi

by fungi

to grow,

. The

moisture

75-90 degrees

of decay
that

certain
content

is to select

that the heartwood

feed on the cellulose

conditions
must

a,-td wood that

Wood

that

that have proven

durable

in

of a log is the most resistant

to

between

of moisture,

be on the order

F., and the air stagnant.

the lack of moisture,

woods

the cell walls of wood.

temperature,

and

of 25-30 percent,
is always

is continuously

air must

be

the temperature

dry does not rot because

wet does not rot because

of

there is no

air present.
There

will be more

cabin.

where

watet

for the fungi

to grow.

In addition

to the

against

leaks that

fungi

and

reduce

on

natural

the importance
and

marine

borers.

These

ftt~,rted, All 01 I hesc art* ~tld under

It-oni sulrlrliers.

of these

the experience

as the best,
1 hdrc

for fnotection

against

like,

being

in preventing

decay

mot-t
various

dipped

woods

and

temperature

the

precautions

can be used that

cheap,

easy

are toxic to

IO apply,

and

they

pieces.
in

such
container

I am

Although

naphthanate;

~rluCl;inl

then

to recommend

I have talked

portit up TBIC)

as the most effeclivr

dnd wood-tit~stroyitig

borers

miirilw

was copper

recently
IBIO (trihutyl
tin oxide)
names bv marine paint manufacturers

of boatbuildt~rs

are easy to apply

smaller-

anal

are

c losr.lv ehdtirittt-d

lhesc~ preset-vatives
brusheci

of some
chemicals

preparations

along,anci

art* rc~aclilv dvailaltlc}),IIK-~!.

resistance

leaks in deck and

for the right

of drcav.

l~~~t~tit~~t~loro~~ht~t~~~l
c ame

Icht

to avoid

just waiting

bv the builder,

vears dn old standby

many

of building

he trapped,

decay

can he taken

the chances

I;or

later

can enter

bv brushing

apand

any one

with and

photos

of

preservative

fungi.

or dipping.

as planking
butt blocks,
of the preparation.

short

the larger

parts

deck beams,

being

and the

Scantling
The ciimensions
itibtanct.

a list

thickness,

keel

beams

of the hull

timbers

of scantlings
depth

and

etc. lhe actual

in wooden

includes
width,

dimensions

the

stem

boatbuilding
sire

width.

may be given

and
and

are called

spacing

scantlings.

For

of frames,
planking
stringers,
deck

sizes of clamps,

as the siding,

generally

the smaller

dimension,

and the molding.

usually a vertical dimension.
As an example
of this,
referring
to Figure 12-l A, a deckbeam
would be sided I t, and molded 2 th , while a
clamp would he sided 1 t*j and molded 4 . The dimensions
of frames are an exception to the above.
ship dimension
the builder

because

the fore-and-aft

is the molded

quickly

becomes

size. The
adjusted

dimension
terminology

is the siding,
is peculiar

and

the athwart-

to boatbuilding.

and

to its usage.

It has been noted that quite a few designers,

apparently
tiring over the years of hand
lettering
the words sided and molded* on their drawings.
simply abbreviate
these
words

to S and

M. This could

be very confusing

to the first-tirr,er.

but now you know.

Chapter

Wood

has bt-cn tht- traditional

the- relative

ease with

upon the skill and ingenuity

somel imt-s in combination

Wood

and

When

the type of wood

covering
should

preferably

planking,

it can

of the builtlrr.
with wood,

or

hull

with

and

be of a stable

plywood.

type,

Normal

and

worms

is mt*chanically

the hull is suitable.

weight

and borers.

that can be brought

covering

in the design,
anyway.
The fabric
resin

gain
The

can

planking

from

hulls

fastened

of

depending

to be considered,

by itself

is usually
be either

and

polyester

diagonal

with

moisture

are those who do

but the covering

weight

but

or epoxy.

prevents

advantage,

is made

The

latter

the attack

for it reduces

and when it is planned

weight

of

the worries

l-he weight

in size to compensate

polypropylene

rot, minimizes

against

cleaning.

of the boat,

can be reduced

cloth.

planking

there

protects

out for bottom

but very fast boats the added

fiberglass

hull

or triple

shrinks

However,

adds strength,

is a great

to the overall

structures

In anything

and

to rt=commend

The

doub!e

with fiberglass,

of water,

on by delays in hauling

the wooden

is much
cloth.

to the hull.

absorption

latter

such

swells

to crack.

t hp use of covering

does not add much

of the covering.

The

so because

However,

materials

such as strip planking,

carve1

quite

and

it remains

there

or other

cause the covering

to cover old carvel-planked

thick

is suitable,

fiberglass

not hesitate

leaks

and

by the beginmar.

tht-rt* are other

construction

resin

and this might

When

for boatbuilding

be worked

Fiberglass

the wood

changes,

material

which

of the
for

for the weight

does not count for much

and

is more

Dyne1 are also used.

expensive

and

more

35

3G E-IHER~~l.ASSA ND OlIlk:R lI1 I.I. .21.47k.RI:II..5

time-consuming

to use, due to slower

cure

at room

temperatures,

but its adhesion

to

wood is superior.
Covering
covering
when

is also recommended

of joints

in cabin

the joined

sanded

edges

are oitcn

tit-al cabin

and

covered

such as at the chines

made

wtth

figurr

there

who clabbles

are certain

with

prt-cautions

boats

because
ho011

that

must

tionetl

be hauled

must

years I~rlentler

bvnt ht*tic. fahric,s.

St I-WI , New Kochelle.

Molded

Fiberglass

.lhtb shiny,

Inc.

selt*c.tion

When
stick

prcduwtl

fiberglass

anti

Epoxy resin is

the heads

of fastenings,

and smoothing

gouges

use

and can be sanded

like Cabosil

propor.

IO the

11twIs

of the home

.~nd c-poxy resins,

Kt*Vlilr.

boat

fiberglass

and

ilIlt
glassing
IOOIS. lllr
ot lIefender
is 255 Main

for every blemish

hulls

with glass cloth

will IJC reproducx~tl

is finished

as desired.

glass cloth

and

sometimes
vertically,

steel.

a release

is made

usualiy

and

made

from

resin and is worked

when

is applied

mat and polyesret-

If a particular

the mold

are

a female

plug 1)~ made,

just as though
you were
or l~lywood. whichever is suitable
for tht-

resin

rigid molt1 has been made.

Rather than
hold the molds shape, the shell is rt-inforr-ed 011
wood

the old finish

covering.

.L material

lhe address

hull

to split

the female
so that

mold

the female

at-y laid up successively

to a very
is made.
will not
until

relv entirelv
upon shell thickness
to
the
outside with a nerwork of rough

s1r011g.

withdrawn

be

for in-

Hulls

lht- plug is tlwn covered

it. Ihen

must

hull,

cover,

and

New \Iork I OH01

commerciallv

t IIt- plug
to

ovet

has catered

WJO~.

for (.ovt-ring

lhis rc-quit-es that a wooden

male
IJuiltIing iI wooctI~11
hull, using stripplanking
hull shape.

All old finish

put under

and

ot p0)vestc.t

1110Itl.

snloot II IiIlish.

to cover old wood,

is very fast drying

s11c.h as ~J(~lv~)ro~)vl~~rit~;lIlII

(~iltalo~ alho Itas instruc~tions

want

cracks

cloth

putty.

lntiusrries.

they carry a large

which

of t*l)oxy resin
of

by one layer of

resin.

weeks before

For filling

putlv.

or makts ;I mixture
produce
lhe consistency

and

olht-r

body

USC.

to

huildt~r

,turomot~ile

added

In the case of a plywood

and

of strain

used to cover ver-

foot for IO-ounce

polyester

be used

11o1

to the builder
joints can be

Lil areas

is often

for I dood job.

be dry.

out of the water

OI old, oil IJZW fillers

For many

cloth

or later

be taken

must

they will he sottent~d by the resin.

attc*r

doubled

per square

and the wood allowed to dry for several

1-t-commrnded
for old wood.

(41 her il polyester

finish.

cloth.

Ten-ounce

will sooner

the boat

wood

d paint

cioth. both including

stance,

New

under

of 2.25 ounces

off the wood. and the wood

stripped,
stronglv

tops, and the like, and the

To give you an idea of the weight

cltxaned

must

cabin

leaks is a genuine
boon
than varnished.
Taped

fiberglass

boats.

a minimum

and doul~k t tlis for 20.ounce

Anyone

invisible

%O-ounce

of v-bottomed

sides of plywood.

such covering,

decks.

etc.,

to prevent
is to be painted
rather

work

to feather

Huils

for plywood

sides.

shape

is such

that

it cannot

be

on the centerline.

Some builders
decrease the time needed to build stiffness into the mold by using
sandwic h construct ion. After 1.I or so of fibrIglab% hd> brrn laid up against the plug,
they use a core materiai
such as end-grain
balsa, followed
by more fiberglass.
The
mold

stiffness

is thus

increased

e-reatlv

bv soreadine

the

rrlass skins

aoart.

the core

FIBERG1..-1SS.-IIV-IIOTHER Hl1.1. M.-ITERIA LS

material

acting

flanges.
When
plug,

in much

the female

it is polished

ing up a hull.
beam

working

up the fiberglass

size, this minimizes

laying

the hull will be made

and

up and
resin

or steel,

resin.

as those laminated

The

the hull

than

is anything

downhand.

by hand

and

the
from

larger

spend

actually
The more

the job will he. This

up the laminates

the

for Iay-

can be rolled

the work mostly

makes

of fiberglass

high g!oss finish

When

the

from

in diameter

must

with roller and brush. When hulls are produced

glass fibers can br applied with specialized
spray
strong

larger

of time the builders

the less disiasieful

by laying

removed

IL is then ready

each end so the mold

the amount

you can stay out of the sticky

that

near

that separates

has been

are repaired.

disc of wood

to the mold

in the hull while

of a hull

and any blemishes

a partial

is added
laying

as the web of an I-beam

for the production

Sometimes

side to side while

dinghy

mold

and waxed

of the boat,

than

the same manner

37

presumes

applying

the resin

in large quantity.
resin and chopped
equipment,
but these hulls are not as

cloth.

on the outside

of molded

hulls or other

simiiariy

cortttructed

parts of the boat results from first spraying

a gel coat of resin on the surface of the
mold. The gel coat can be of any color desired.
and contrasting
stripes at the waterline
and

other

accent

stripes

can

After the gel coat has been

wovtw roving and choppt*d
llow

does one make

not available?
ble,

thrrc

has been

Watching

as well when

you know

what

it is all about.

applied,
the hull is laid up with fiberglass
fabrics known as
strand mat until the nectassary thickness
hrl+ been reached.

a mold

and lay up a fiberglass

others

ale htroks that

the bible

be sprayed

do these

things

are

iLfnr/rrc* Dc~.\/~I~Mnuul,

One book,

for many I years. and now there are

other
hooks on tIrt* market
writrcbn with the bt*ginntt. in mind.
lh~ laminate
(It*t;tilitlg the* c.omposit ion of rho tiberglass
hull laminate.
such
sc~hcvllll~* int;)rmation

industry

anal tvpe of glass reinforcement,

as thcb wc$$ir
lined

boat

instructions

is the best way, but if this is not possi-

spell out the techniques.

of the tiberglass

hull if detailed

in rhr Plans

own ith*as about

of the boar.
laminatc~s.

nunlbcr

.Is experience

of lavers,

is Rained.

etc.

should be out
mav develop his

the builder

is nt~eded for rht, first artcmpt at [his type of

l)ut guiclancth

bc~athuiltling.

One-Off

Fiberglass

It was inevitable
tiberglass
mold.

hull

that

huildt-rs

without

having

Setkmann

only devised

Hulls

Plastics,

a method

Inc.,

would

come

tn spend
P. 0.

along

the

time

Box 13704,

but also invented

and

and
and

figure
money

patented

C-Flex

The
molds
the

open-weave

construction
and sometimes

hull

planking

must

is fairly

stiffener!

be built

will not

fiberglass

method
upside

sag between

a female

L,ouisiana
planking.

70185,
which

not
con-

alternating
with bundles of
by a webbing
of two layers

cloth.
simple.

A hull

with longitudinal
down.

a way to build

to construct

NVW Orleans.

sists of parallel rods made of fiberglass-reinforced

polyester
continuous
roving, with each plank being held together
of Itghtweight,

out

The

thetn.

molds
the

form

is framed

strips

let into

must

be spaced

spacing

varying

with

the molds.
with

so that

sectional
Obviously
the C-Flex

the weight

of the

38

FIRERGL.I~SS.-INU OTIIER IIILL M.471:RI:Il.S

Figure

5-l.

:I roll

cl/ (:-It1 11
: / )r~itrg

(lwrrrg

hdti

ill plw

hy I(.( ptlk\I

lurrl

dower.

.Volr*

(iT( cYrrc~/rlIIy

tlttrt

/rrltt(~d

tlrc

icvtltI~s

rrgr1rrr,\t

OII(

hiti

rior4fu

wrlrvi~

ri,rr,tll,,.

C-Flex. The C-FIvu.

molrts and c,c,nforms

which bends lon<gitudinally

and sideways,
is then laid over :he
On the framework
for a
IO the hull shape with little itting.
hull tI 1 planking
is usually; shape<- *<)the sheerline and secured: then
5-1). For a
plank
is simply butted
to the .djac ent width (Figure

rountl-l)nttomett
c-ach aclditional
v-bottom~~tl

hu11, the C-Flex

is applied

sheer

on the hottom.

to the centerline.

and,

to the chine

and the covering

When

the frame

is continued
has been

to the

completely

covered with the C-Flex planking

it is wet out with resin, either polyester or epoxy, and
t htsti l~ttIlill;ltiOt~ is contiriut4
with c~onventional
fitWrgliIss
miltc~rials
until the desired
t hic.kness

has been

13~ the nature

reach~-d.

of its cwttstruction,

the C-Flex

is very strong

in the direction

rods. It is made in two wc+ghts. 0.33 and 0.5 pounds per square
conits in lerigtlis of 100 and 250 rolls. or any length to order.
struction,
up and
about

the amount
the

degree

C-Flex

One-nff

of finishing

construction

fiberglass

time depends

of smoothness
to anyone

hoarbuilders

upon

Seemann
furnishes
interested
in the method.

frequently

foot, is 12 wide, and

Like any similar con-

the care taken

desired.

use a technique

of the

to have a fair lay-

detailed
known

information

as sandwich

con-

struction,
where thr laminate
consists of a core between
fiberglass skins. This type of
construction
has several advantages
over single-skin
construction.
Probably
the biggest

l.III~;KI;I..JS.;S!i
:l.tl) OIttER ill 1.1 .lI.-fTERI.-lI.S 39
advantage
stifter

is its favorable

than

a single

core such as balsa

stiffness/weight

skin of the same

or foam,

ratio.

number

the weight

A sandwich

laminate

of laminations,

of the sandwich

and

is significantly

with a lightweight

is not much

greater

single skin. Ihis fact offers the designer

who uses sandwich
construction
he calI krzp thy same thickness and weight lanlinate
as for a similar
and

up wtth a thicket-,

VI;;I

the glass skins and

can

use a sandwic.h

Other

latninate

stiftncxs

than

benefits.

ligllt

sweating

or non-rxistcmt

:2n11r trrar
strut-tiotl

the

that

ttappcns

the thickness

equal

save weight

sandwich

weight,

hull.

and

increase

fiberglass

Noise

and

sometimes

skin;

of

or he

stiffness.

offers
hulls

vibration

the

and weight

to the single

construction

single-skin

framing

insitiv

ison

~-OIII~,~I

is wltat

to both

in a sandwich

slmcx.

he can reduce

with strength

for which

arid thtb .tI)st.nc~e of thtb transvetscgivt-5 11101t u.,;Ibit-

hull;

laminate

designed

and

Ihc interior

minimized

muc-h stiffer

have a cored

than

with options:
single-skin
hull

additional

are notorious

is

are also reduced,

used in single-skin

fiberglass

hulls

and sandwich

con.

hull.

should

bc- made

between

single-skin

in thr

e:~nt that the hull is punctured,

particularly
under
Iti s1tc.h (.ir~utnst;Itl(.tl;.
the single-skin
hull will admit water, but this is

tht. w,lt~:rlinc~

not so of a sandwic.h
hull unless both skins and the core are punctured-something
that ad~oc.;itrs of san(lwic.h construction
feel is unlikely
during
the normal
life of a
boat.

It totlrn\s.

ot t.ourbc.

that

the rt*sult of strc-tl XII .tccitlt~nt

irnp;l( I, I hts otttcr

,ig;tiilzt

111111) ;I t.ttio

singIt* \kitl.

01 lx.1

if a c~)rrd laminate
is no worse

skin

than

of it sanctwich

.I%(- tcpit

is often

01 $3sanclwicll

1111lt~ t ht. core material

made

laminate

has been

(on will ric~~l to 1)~. irisc~rtc*~l it the hull

should

be completely

for a single-skin

hull.

thicker

is

than

more

no

damaged,

in which

is to be repaired

punctured

As a safeguard
the inner

difficult

than

thts S,I~H~ as for single-skin

in the same

.II~ I)uil(l ;I 5atldivic.h

hull,

a framework

tibrt-glass

of transverse

for a

case a piccc of the

way it was con.

~ttu~:tc~~l. OIlit-IMGW-. rhc- (l;ltn;tg~~i section

of thr outer skin is ground
away
~i1)1-St4i\,t.11~~1~.It..it tic-rcbrl ilit0 t IIt* acliacc-tit unilatn;igc~l
skin, and I he void is filled
Iil)c%rgl,las .ln(l tt4tl

skin,

with
with

repair.

section

molds

and longitudinal

strips (usunllv ( allc :! r-ibbands (jr Ijattens) is needed to define the shape of the hull. and
it tn;lkt*s st&
to build upside down. Figure 5-2 shows the forward end of a male mold
for an X6-foot powtarboai
hull.
I Ising loam

(or-t- as a:~ c~x;tnipIr.

foam

sheets

are fitted

against

the mold

(using

the foam pliable

where necessary
or using contoured
core
heat lamp to makt
matc~rial instt-atI) atltl held in place with nails driven through
plywood scrap washers
until

tht. foan~ (at1 t)t- held in place

tnold

into thta foam

of the fibt*rglass
Careful
material
sandwich
weaken

(l;igurcb 5 3). Ihcs foam

outsi&

skin (Figurts

workmanshi~~

is t-equired

and
whm

the glass skins.

the

the affected

lamination

that laminate

through

the ribbands

from rnsldr>the

is then cc~vrred wit)1 the specified

thickness

5-a).
to ensure

a complete
bond between
the core
in the bond will hasten delamination
of the

Interruptions
is loaded

part of the hull.

the core. some of thcb burden

reason

wit11 screws

to deflect

When

there

of the laminate

clesi,gner must carefully

use in boat Ilulls. Obviously.

a material
does not absorb water is desirable.

that

between

is a good

strength
investigate

bond

fails upon

supports
between

this will

the skins and

the core itself. For this

the available

resists crumbling

and

upon

core materials
impact

and

for
that

40

FIBERGLASS A Nil OTIIER IiULL M.-l TERIALS

Figure

5-2.

Xht, tnult ~101rf for on

Airex-corrd,
Note>

X6jiwt

how

clo.st*lv

pouw~rhoclt.
.spncd

thrb rib-

h(l trtl.5 (1 r(.

FOAM\ //

I
(
i
i
t
I
i
:
?
/
h
i

Figure

5-3.

FIRERCL:lSS .1hD OTIIER HC1.L MATERIAIS

/-OUTER

Some
iiircu

C,~n;td;r

o! the most
(closed-cell
by lclrin,

(end-gr;

partly

polyvinyl

%oley

in balsa
:ale.

St..

chloride),

Grapevine.

wood),

manufactured

Texas

manufactured

New Jersey

and

by American

7605 1.

by Baltek

Corp.,

10 Fairway

07647.

go into all the construction

details, but suffice it to say that while the hull is
down the nutside fiberglass skin should be smoothed
to the extent desired

it is still possible

construction,

the, core

C)verturning
before

cell foam,

Box 195. North

I cannot
still upside
while

cores are:

Corp. I 204 NoJ:~.

Cotttourkorr

FIBERGLASS

100 perrcnt
polyvinyl
chloride
loam), marketed
in the U.S.
Inc., 12.5 Sht2ridan Icrracr,
Ridgewood,
New .Jrrsey 07450.

hlrgt~c~~ll (closed
Klegrcell
Court,

popular

41

to work downhand,

If you wish more

manufacturers

supply

you with it.

procedure

because

a cored

the inner

hull

fiberglass

can

is a trying
skin is added

to the laminate

One method used by several builders of hulls

5-5. This involves the use of a holding cradle
the hull as it is overturned

and which

information
the shell

on sandwich
is quite

to complete

limber

the sandwich.

with Airex foam cores is shown in Figure

fitted to the upside-down
hull to support

the hull sits in while the construction

of the boat

is completed.
Although

the aforesaid

used for additional

be produced

before

hulls.

is a one-off

method

It is a matter

of economics

a female

the production
of single-skin
hull. Thr laminate
is simply

mold

is justified.

fiberglass
changed

of hull construction,
Female

to calculate
molds

that

the mold can be

how many

hulls can

have been

hulls can also be used for molding

to include
a core.

built

for

a sandwich

42

I~IHER(~I.:I!iS.dhl) 07111:R 1111.1. .11.-l71.111:1

1.S

CARPET

STR\fS

GLA4$Ep

-R

f=\=e-

HULL

Figure

5-5.

Steel
When

you stop to think

pensive

when

worked

to almost

about

rornl~ar~*d

it, steel is a remarkable

with

any shape

other
desired.

welding makes it a suitabltx material

fashioned
riveted construction.
One
rosion

by sea water.

protect

steel

advantage

Fortunately.

against

corrosion,

of steel construction

metals,

hut

material.

with

Ihe relative

ease

Steel is not a material

the coatings
aluminum

for the average

1 can remember

must

the hull plating,

and both builders

the hulls

would

about

very inrxit can

pieces

be

by electric

coatings

maintained.

as well) is that inner

to
An
bot-

the hull for one side, enabling

by any means.

auxiliary

improved

be tcrnstantly

construction

beginner

two good-sized

who had not built a boat before. However,

the necessary equipment.
The worst fault
did it again

equipment,

of joining

have brought

tom integral
fuc*l and water tanks ran be built in, using
larger capacities
to be carried than in wooden hulls.
for too long

it is strong,

proper

for small craft with a saving in weight over olddisadvantage

of steel is its low resistanre
to cor-

the years
(and

and

sailboats

but without

reflecting

of steel built

by people

they did have metalworking

experience
and
of these boats was the humps and hollows in

said that

they had gained

experience

so that if they

not be so rough.

Rough plating
of steel hulls is often disguised
by skillful application
of trowel cement, probably
because it is cheaper
to do this than to expend the labor needed to
smooth

the plating

by heating

and

quenching.

The

roughness

of the plating

is caused

l~~lHt:K~~I..-l.sS
.l.VI) 1)771t~;KII1 1.1. .ll:I 7l~:HI:~l.S -IS
by stresses ser up when
sequence

of welding

Even though
of higtler

so that

A few of the many

yacht

aluminum

for- boalhuilding.

huildrrs.

In general
.ihis permits

crew

terms.

can

of achieving

long;

Iht* fittr (haI

technicians

be built

lighter

have invented
today

rhan

new alloys

ever before.

notably
alloy 5086 in rhe United States. are
alloys are relatively high in strcngl h and corrosion

welded.

transports

and

A fair amount

platform

alloys of aluminum
speed

of rhis meral

of more

operators

weight

or an increase
Besides

are using

large fleet of

over rhar of steel.

in speed.

ils light

weight.

aluminum

or the possi-

aluminum

cannot

lasts

but speak

well

Iongeviry.

huitttt7h

of pleasure

t~1a~5 in atltlition

boats

either

1~-;111svirst~or tongil utlinal

Atulliinulil

Ijuilti

only in dluminum

IO Ihost- 01 otht-1 nlart-ria1.s.

and runabouts
of aluminum
are made
I)rotluct- 2 large part or ;1n enrirt- hdlf
Lramiiig

t~c~nstrut~tion

Small

bv stretch-ft.rming
p&t*

0~1

of

is used

sheets
of

01it-

~TWial.

ant1 c.ovt*red wirh

is nio~t- t,sl)t*nsivt-

than

or have a line of

craft

5ut.h as dinghies

over malts molds I0

Orht-rwise.
regular
i1S in

plaling

sleel COII-

steel t~~ns~~ut~~ion. for no1

onlv tlot~s IlIt* atunlinunl

ilst4t CXN more pt.r INNI~~I than ~~t.t~l, rl~e ,tt.(u;tl welding
IO~I~ IIIOII-. ihis mortb than m,lkt-s up for the fact rhar rhe wt+.$lt of aluminum
volved

by

vessels.

construt.tion

deadweight

is consumed

the increasingly

supply

reduce

with less horsepower.

commercial

for irs anlicif)at-d

~rrircrio~i.

The

alloys,
These

the carrying

bililv

;rluniinuni

and one plate 10 another.

but bv far rhe most of it is used IO build

oil field

Several

research

steel hulls

and can be satisfactorilv

oftshore

to the frames

in this respect.

Alloys

satisfacror-y
resistance

the plating

steel is an old material,

strength

Aluminum

welding

is of importance

in a particular

project

will always

be less than

the weight

also
in-

of the steel required.

Manv builders
of steel boars have converted
10 aluminum
construction
with little
need to change cquipmenr
rsce11~ for welding,
but like steel. it is not a nlaterial
for the
bt*ginnt~r. 011~ very imptlfi~~rtn~ problem
area encc,un~rrtd
with aluminum
construction
is galvanit
found
when
be

t,c)rl.osion.

in sut.11 fitrings
the aluminum

and specitit.ations
of the aluminum

hetwern

as sea cocks,
hull is exposed

and

~~JtYtWltVi.

Ihis octurs

the aluminum

prt)pt-llers,

shafts,

to stray electrical

hull
rutitlcrs,

currcrfts

the methods

for doing

for the boat.

If you lack this information,

manufacturers

can

so are preferably

be consulred

and

dissimilar

metals

etc..

anti also occurs

in anchorages.
This can

all spt~lleti OUI in the plans

the marine

departments

for help.

Welding ant1 the preparation

of the finished surface are also areas that require care.
Welding
aluminum
is quite different
than welding steel. It is imperative
that weld
areas

be absolutely

tion about welding.

comes IO painting
coating

aluminum

hull rakes
aluminum
should

clean

if good welds are to be made.

If you are in need of informa-

the aluminum
manufacturers
can provide
assistance.
When it
the surface,
rhe marine
paint makers
have special systems for
and instructions
for cleaning
it before coating.
The highest quality

a lot of labor:
a really smooth
yacht finish on the topsiJes of a welded
yacht hull requires
fairing of the surface with fairing
compounds.
which

stay in place

for quite

a while.

J-1 t~Il~t*~t~(~I.-Iss
.-I,YI) C)7/lt-X III .1.1. N.-t 71:K1.41..~
Ferrocement
Every now and
ment.

then

Essentially.

terlaced

with

embedded
taken

there

wirr,

with

struction

1967-68

tion of ferrocement

turning

to be any mention

earlier

enthusiasts

Exotic

Hull

construction,

lower

weights

this

arts

is bound

liglttw4ght

fishing

timc*s stronger

magazine

and

there

at all, an indication

of matt+als

than

and

wood

to continup.

and

five times

F2sotic, materials
as compared

that

were a number
A decade

the method

recently

wltirh

of designers

later there

does

is not as easy as the

havca also found

their

plywood

as a bulkhead

made

such exotic

c.onsidrration.

there

I~latt~riiIlS rquirc-

has

wood

been

made

are other

factors

staving

and

are
made

in strength

or decorative

surpassed

panels.

by at least

two other

of both these materials

come with
aircraft.
One type of core is end-

of a DuPont

to consider.

techniques

glass fabrics
Kevlar fabric,
material.

step forward

material

matet ials can work out well, esperially

spccializrd

strengths

Years ago, the in:roduc-

was a giant

of vertical

material

boatbuilding

tllan is steel.
high.strrngth

way into bulkheads.

bulkheads

grain balsa and the other is a honeycomb

which is used in helicopter
bladrs.
Although

that have higher

plastic, and development

in
form, has been used in super-

the standard

i.. stiffer for its weight

is another
lightwri<ght

to the bulkheads

plywood

developed

tnatt-rials
that art stiffer and much lighter.
Panels
fil~t~rglass skins, and thry are used in large transport

where

called

Nomex,

light weight

If they arr to be used properly,

knowledge.

Another

is a
these

consideration

is

cost.

For example,
S glass is twice as expensive
as E glass. As for Kevlar, a
of high-speed
powerboats
who uses this material
once told me that, pound for

pound,
a Kevlar.,resin
combination
the standard
mat woven rovingresin
not used throughout
it is hard

exotic fibers.
then, is that
When

of the con-

strtmssc4 areas of racing sailboat hulls. It is three

S glass, which is twice as
than stt-cl. I.ike~visr.

stiffer

E: glass from

tion of rc~lat~vc*ly stiff marine

material,

care must be

did not carry some men-

rage.

fiberglass-reinforced
in fiber
Graphite,

rods and in highly

matlt-. is muctl stronger

and
tram I)upont
aramid
tihers.

builder

that great
heavy weight

30 feet in length.

for the then current

a number

as the common

t ht4r high

rod in-

is completely

Materials

and

Now,

steelwork

the basically

under

hulls of ferrocereinforcing

had broadcast.

Tht-re have been

strong

under

the

It is understood

an issue of a boating

out plans

of concrete

to it so that

and that

for hulls

hardly

hulls

rngaged

not ,.lppear

applied

to the atmosphere.

it impractical

abdL-t cl=nstructing

of a framework

voids in the cement,

makes

In the years

consists

cement

and not exposed

to eliminate

actively

is a wave of enthusiasm

the system

a hull,
to make

was as much as seven times more expensive

combination.
Since these exotic materials

but only as a substitute

a general

comment

for strength-contributing
about

the cost of building

than
are

laminate
hulls

using

for laminate
designs differ from boat to boat. About all that can i,i! said,
the use of such exotic materials
will certainly
lead to an increase in cost.

one considers

that

the powerboat

manufacturer

referred

to earlier

was able to

I;IRk.XG L.:1.S.S
4 ND 0 7-tIl~.ii1I1!l.!. ,21.-I
7EKI.J1.s
effect

a weight

saving

of only

5 to 7 percent,

the extra

cost

is, in most

45

cases,

not

always

be

warranted.
The state of the art is constantly
developed,

and

there

are always

changing,
those

however,

so new materials

who will try to apply

them

to

will

boatbuilding.

Chapter
___-

&mpared

with

modern

craft

holding

the

tight,

the

located

with

together
boat.

thought

drilled

of a wooden

iron

hull

fastened

boats

to prove

this point.

and

simply

will last a lifetime,

used

of galvanized

galvanized

iron.

timers

fastenings,

and

rods

that

were

today
cannot

teners
Here

have

coated

be compared
no place

is what

to say about

always

are zinc coated

Ihcy

there

down

contribution

to a
and

always

holding

amount

passed

it doesnt.

task

be driven

of money

the word

a wrecked

The

galvanized

of yesterday.

by using gal-

that

shrimp

galvanized-

today

that seem

boat,

beached

regarding

fastenings

In the first place,

available

in

power.

are hulls here and there

I examined

the fastenings

the

of today

the old timers

are most

likely

of mild

coatings,
fastenings
of mild steel do not have
as do iron ones. Second, the old-time
iron nails

by hot dipping
by electroplating,

to coating

should

almost all
fastenings

to their

proved just the opposite.

to offer contradictory
evidence

fastenings

whereas

according

maximum

have

hand,

steel. When bared of their protective

nearly as much resistance
to corrosion
trners

builder.

and indeed

On the other

are not the galvanized

as a primary

bc sized

can save a considerable

Old

about
10 years after it was built. that
Although
the above would appear
clurability

importance

size to ensure

boat

fastenings.

boats of the old days,

built. Thus the innumerable

should

by the designer

The

builder

extra

fastenings

holes of proper

Iron

wooden

to be lightly

assume

All

Galvanized

vanized

constructed

can be considered
parts

seaworthy

carefully

heavily

in molten
which

by hot dipping.

zinc.

results

Many

galvanized

in a relatively

In fact these

fas-

thin coating

zinc-plated

fas-

in a boat.

Independent

the zinc coating

Nail,

Inc.,

of fasteners:

a manufacturer

of special-purpose

nails,

has

I..-Is 7E.lIh .;.s

* Galvanized
best

has turned

type is a hot-dip,

hot-tumbler,

out

to bc generally

whose surface

hot-galvanized

may be contaminated

each

is, for practical

to a tumbler

produce

on the surface.

very thin

zinc coatings

and galvanized

wood

understood

adjective.

The

purposes,
pure zinc. Tumbler,
process from which the coating

refer

with iron right

ing e,tch generally

a poorly

17

Electra

and mechanical

serving

galvaniz-

for appearance

more

than

for performance.
Galvanized
planking

boat

nails

to frames.

without

going

frames

and

separate

A frame

through

the

is clinched

should

be at least

frame.

With

over on the

from the nail where

to be refastened
throughout

because

the length

to do so is a good

sign

that

wood

clogged

around

with

the hole.

reducing

nails

they

used

metal.

galvanized

goes

are used,

to fasten
in it

through

the

the zinc

will

Many boats have had

nails

is an expensive

are dipped,

holding

nail

of such

were inferior

hot-dipped

zinc when

the

the bare

Renailing

been

if a nail is to be buried

poor

at the end

the fastenings

In the case of the smaller-sized

frequently

exposing

of the fastening.

often

frames,

When

started

have

1 t/2 thick

lighter

inside.

it is bent,

corrosion

screws

and

progressed

job, and the necessity

or inadequate

to start

wood screws,

the threads

and

when

driven,

with.
are

they tear

the

power.

Even if he has had sotne good experiences

in the past with galvanized

fastenings,

the

builder
is advised to be sure of his fastenings
by using a better metal for fastenings
that are to be constantly
in water. Although
more expensive
initially,
the best fastenings are cheap

in the end.

Brass
If a decision

is made

alternative
water

would

cannot

an electrolyte
copper

against

woods.

Brass is all right

should

be taken

Silicon

Bronze

called

A point

perhaps

fastening

wrung

and galvanized

exposed

too.

off screws
parts

to salt

as 30 percent,

and in

What remains is a spongy

useless. This is called de-

alloy is used that contains

of interior

a good

The
being

zinc in ex-

high

zinc

brass

driven

into

hard

such as joinerwork,

but care

hull.

in a boat

It is about

off when

that

for the manufacture

as much

disadvantages,

it is easy to break

it is hard

96 percent

being

from sea water.

to be remembered

a copper

for the fastening

Everdur.

to corrosion

with the brasses

when

not to use it in thr

structural

ings are seldom

resistant

Brass as furnished

are mechanical
strong:

seem

but the use of brass for fastenings

too strongly.

can he expected
There

it might

the zinc ieaves the alloy.

that the fastening
is practically

in strength

and

alloys are not particularly

every

fastenings

is very high in zinc content,

cess 01 16 percent.

For

galvanized

sucl~ as sea water,

so reduced

sometimes

using

be brass fastenings.

be advised

of screws and bolts

zincifiration

against

to beat

copper

and

a copper

silicon

is so strong

that

alloy
fasten-

driven,
The

and of major importance,

it is highly
use of this metal removes the risks involved

steel fastenings

is the higher

resale

and is well worth

value

the difference

of a bronze-fastened

in cost.
boat.

48

F.4s TENINGS

Monel

This

nickel

copper

resistance,
people

but

to afford.

much

galvanic

ing bronze
tact.

alloy
It can

action

propeller

nails,

a popular

between

of Monel

and

will be mentioned

with

shafts
make

purposes

Nails.)

in

from

strength

it is much
silicon

For instance,

Monel

for some

(See Threaded

bronze

made

in conjunction

and

and stiffness
fastening

silicon

bolts

the metals.

screws.

struction

above
and

be used

shaft struts

The strength

driving

ranks

the cost of screws

Monel

have bronze

because

for most

without

IS often

used for fasten-

propellers

fear

in direct

saving

has many

of

con-

for Anchorfast

of the labor

as a metal

corrosion

bronze

it very satisfactory

Monel

and
too high

boat

it offers

over

uses in boat

con-

further.

Copper
Copper

has excellent

corrosion

resistance,

but

because

of its scftness

it is suitable

mostly for fastenings

in the form of flat-head
nails that are used as rivets or for clout
nails sometimes,
used in hulls with light lapstrake
planking.

Stainless

Steel

Ihere

arc

merals

not he considered

vast

many

cxpt-rirnce

galvanic

action

assutanct~,
the

alloys

under

1his common

and

satisfactory

with

other

materials

thtn USCof stainless

bt-st

metal

aluminum

for

ste&.

Ijulpits,

tlotahly
engine

for it avoids

used in a boat.

Mixture

thr

erosion

destruction

freedom

from

boat.

Without

such

above

hardware.

corrosion

water.

stanchions,

of the alloy parts.

It is
and

Of the many

stainless

hardware.

systtm

and rigging

sailhoat

parts.

and

fittings

to minimize

he might

steel is being
specialty

propeller

on spars.

has been

used more

shafting.
to others.

of the screw

to reduce

hardware,

and

more

for
and

is also used for

materials

using

his stock of

stanchions

Stainless

As with many

it is brst to Iravtb experimentation

application

bleeding

be happy

that might

it yourself

be

only when

proven.

of Metals

The loosely
and

and

to applications
deck

rub strips

builders,

material.

drrk

cxhausr

wire ropts rigging

vou know

alloy

same

these

who has

316 seems to be the most corrosion-resistant

in a
of this alloy may take some doing. One or two
have, in the past, special ordered Type 316 wood

such fasrt-tiings.
Othc*r than as a fastener
ps,

in the

that

by someone

the OIW known as Typo

but finding fastenings

If you can find one of these

hll

used

resistance

be limit,4

aluminum

frames.

you are guided

of corrosion
being

salt atmosphere,
of thr high-qualitv
yacht
builders
,
S~IVLYS
to stcurC%stainless sterl half-oval
Il~ads.

unless

steel should

fasrening

alloy window

stainless

proof

It IS recommended

heading.

for hull fastenings

used term electrolysis

of metals
of metals

is applied

by electrolysis,
is blamed

by the average

cavitation,

on electrolysis,

boatman

or galvanic

to the corrosion

action;

due to lack of knowledge

usually

the

of the other

.F.4.SlEILINC;S 49
causes.

Except

the scope

for discussing

Sea water
dissimilar

is an

metals

currtznt

The

metals
The

electrolyte

when

between

fastenings,

the subject

and

intensity

gradually

posi:ions

will

cause

destroyed

by what

of the attack

will vary

series and

also upon

in the galvanic

an

electric

current

or close proximity
to each other.
to the cathode,
that is. the anndic

:he anode

in the galvanic

Anodic

action

that

in contact

will flow from

will be attacked
sion.

galvanic

is beyond

of :his work.

series

is properly

according
the relative

in sea water

to the
areas

of some

to flow

between

When this occurs,

fitting or fastening

termed
relative

galvanic

corro-

positions

of the

or masses of the metals.

metals

follow:

or Least Noble

Zinc
Galvanized

steel or galvanized

Aluminum

alloy

5456

Aluminum

alloy

5086

Aluminum

alloy

5052

Aluminum

alloy

356,

wrought

iron

6061

Mild steel
Wrought
iron
Cast iron
1% H Stainless

steel Iypc 304 (active)

18-H Stainltsss

sttst-I Iypt* 316. 3!{, molybdenum

(active

Lead
Iin
Mangantbsc-

hronzt~

Naval

(60+{, coppt*r,

brass

Yrllow

brass

Aluminum

(65%

copper,

35%

Lint)

bronze

Red brass (H5S;, copper,

Copper
Silicon

39:, rinc)

(act ivr )

I ncm1~4

IS?:, zinc)

hronrr

Cupro-nickttl

(904h

copper,

10%

nickel)

copper.

30%

nickel)

Cupro-nickel

(704,

Coml)osition

G bronzts

(#?A

copper,

2,/0 zinc,

10% tin)

Composition

M bronze

(885;

copper,

SU, zinc,

61~24, silicon.

Incclnel

I I/? ?A Icad)

(passive)

Mont.1
IX-R Stainless

steel Type

304 (passive)

18-H Stainless

steel Type

316, SS, molybdenum

(passive)

Titanium
Cathodic

or Most Nobte

It might he possible
to use only one metal,
fastenings
in a wooden hull, but where a mixture

notably
silicon bronze for all of the
is the most practical,
the metals used

50

FASTENINGS

should

be ones that

are reasonably

silicon

bronze,

Monet.

and

sort or another.
Note that stainless
understand
ished,

steels are shown

it, the surface

formation

of oxide.

and

after

surface

is more

severely

reduced,

close together

Ail of these metals

This

in the series above

of the steel is passivated

can be donr

the steel has been

resistant

in the galvanic

after

cleaned

Without

fasteners

in two different

by chemical

ail machining

thoroughly

to corrosion.

scale. such as copper,

are used to manufacture

and

passivation,

of one

positions.

As I

treatmen:

to hasten

the

working

has been

fin-

and

degreased.

The passivated

the corrosion

resistance

is

and it is best to avoid the use of these metals for underwater

fastenbut the treatment
has been destroyed or altered,
ings. If the surface has been treated,
it is best tc treat such metals as if
the metals corrosion
resistance
will be uncertain;
they were not passivated.
l know of a case wh: re a bronze

stern

iron tag screws

a perfect example
metals were in contact in sea water;

bearing casting was fastened with galvanized

The dissimilar
of setting up omaivanic corrosion.
first the zinc disap;,eared,
and then the iron was

attacked
until the bearing
finally came loose.
Many boats withbronze
hull fastenings
have been built with cast iron ballast keels. but
in this case I he comparatively
huge mass of anodic material.
the iron keel, would show
the keel cdn be of hot-dipped
signs of attack slowly due to its bulk. The bolts securing
galvanized

wrought

vinyl-lvpc

anti-corrosivtb

iron or Monrl.

The outside

of the iron should

have several

coats of a

to act as a nonmetailic
barricsr to galvanic action.
N~~t-;ih~ss to say, only the Icast cxpc*nsive ritrt~i fastcsners should be used in the construction
of molds, jigs, plugs for fiberglass
parts, bracing,
etc., that will never be part
of a boat,
hoatyarti

paint

It may sc-em ridi?ulous

enipioyec3

visit tht* stockroom

to even mention
something
like this, but I have seen
Monet fasteners
in throw-away
work rathrr
than

use bronze

and

for stcsrI nails

and

screws.

Erlww Belts
____..
These

are ordinary

machine

al-r made

bolts with square or hexagonal

heads and nuts, and they
Monet. and galvanized
iron. Longer bolts can be home-

in silicon bronze,
a nut as a head
by t breading
a pirre of rod on both ends. screwing
and pruning
over the end of the rod to prevent the head nut from turning.
the same material
are used under the head and nut. Drilled holes should

madr

tliamt~ter

as the bolt,

the advantage

on one end,
Washers of
be the same

Screw hoits are used tor fastening

over drift

bolts

of being

Welt-equipped
professional
huiiders
have a die. usually for a flat head. and

many backbone
parts and have
the wood shrinks.
to be tightener, s.4 -**hen
..
head their own tong bolts. They
sometimes

able

the end

of the rod is heated

and

forged

to

shape.

Drift

Bolts

When bolts must

bolt can be used.

be very long and a through-bolt

is not practical
or necessary,
a drift
They are made from a piece of rod and driven like a large nail. The
the other has a washer or clinch ring under
one end is pointed slightly by hammering,

51

F.4 S TENiNGS

Figure

lIrij/ hoit.\ (IIV tlrlz~rl (11 (III (III~IP /IIorrlvr- 10 lock /ilc, /)nrt.c~o,q,rc~t/t~~r.

6-1.

a driving

head

diameters

shorter

formed

the hole must

than

by riveting

the end

the bolt to be driven

be less than

the diameter

of the rod.
and should

The

hole

is made

have smooth

of the bolt for a tight.

about

two

sides. The size of

driving

fit. Be careful

not to henci the bolt above the timber when driving it. When a pair or a series of drift
bolts is caiiecl for, it is best to drive them at an angle (Figure 6- 1) which locks the parts
together

and

vanizeii

it on,

Carriage
Thesr

enables

thrtn

to resist

strains.

Drift

are screw

frames

galvanized
Bolt

are

made

of bronze

or gai-

Bolts
bolts

with a round

button

head

and

under the head that keeps the bolt from turning

in tnany jrarts of the structure
such as to fasten
dnd

bolts

and
iron,

deck

beams

and

stainless

to (lamps

a square

neck on the shank

just

in the wood. Carriage

bolts are used
frames to floors, stringers to clamps,

or she!ves.

and

are made

in si!teon

b:onze.

steel.

Threads

Fastenings
tnust

are used to hold parts together

be tight

in their

thrtwds. Bolts of this type are common

stead

of cutting

smatter

are cheaper

in diameter

tight

in the hole.

but

this is sridc~m

and keep them

i~oirs. .Il\is is not possible

than

today

to manufacture.

the outside

because
The

moving:

structure,

threads

therefore,

formed

unthreaded

of the threads,

Bolts of this type are ail right

the case in the hull

from

if the bolts have what are catted

shank

by roiling

the fastening

so roiled-thread

in-

of these bolts

so the shargk cannot

when

they
rolled

possibly

is in tension
bolts should

only,
not be

used.
Wood Screws
Fiat-head
screws are used extensively
in wooden boatbuilding
and decking and many other parts. They are available
from
iron,

brass,

silicon

bronze,

and

are also produced

of Monel

for fastening
planking
stock made of galvanized
and

stainless

steel.

is
be

52

F/l S TENI NC3

FOR

. IG3

W-8

$fc.lo.

743
I,
I

MAYBE

Figure
Tests
powc.

do. I4

,242

2 & do. I&

2 $f do. 10
3 tJo.zo

REDUCED
HAeDv\/ooP

OrJE

in tension.

theoretically
the planks

that screws

However,

in a for!.-and-aft

job of hu!i fastenings

against

of leaking

stresses

stead

of nails

as planking

that

is thicker

that

have been accepted

than

than

.2613

7/6A

do.

I8

70 I

.29d

9/s

/-lo. 13

s/a

.320

%L

Jo. 4

3/dIt

FOR

DECti1t&3

thin

threads

when

the hull is being

The

This
because

for hulls

for a given
table.

wilt be subiect

by a gauge

for sheltered

waters.

bc made

fastenings

is

seas. (Such
Indeed,

the

length,

Figure

puts more
for using

wood to

screws in-

a screw can be used

6-2, shows the screw sizes

and if you compare

nail of the same length, the

boat nails, however,
Monet
in heavy gauges

suitable

for

to order.

6-2 to be on the heavy side, but the table

to rigorous

service,

or so for powerboats
When

holding

Here the area of the wood

and decking,

nails are available

must

the screw sizes in Figure

that

sizes may be reduced

bronze

they usually

boat.)

argument

with an ordinary
boat
Unlike
common
wilt be obvious.

but

through

a thick fastening

over the years for planking

thickness

driven
planked

in place.

is a strong

accompanying

the greatest

of screws used as plank

in a conventionally

one.

fastenings,

develop

function
of fastenings
is not to keep
,.&\a..
L.X,.l, l*rnrL;n-
h
*h-m ~nm
past :hei:

is very important;

nails and Stronghoid

Some wilt consider

tion built

l/z(

is to hold the parts

a thin

a nail.

fastenings,

is meant

25

of any one of the screws

screw

planking

do.

resistance

seams

the fastenings

work resisting

Anchorfast

%A

with sharp,

direction

primary

greater

%s

/2

the most important

otf. but to pre~en:

is the cause

the gauge

37

do. 30

GAUGE

withdrawal

not too critical;

from sprtngtng

working
that bears

p.

6-2.

have shown

neighbors

hd

.2lG7

1g
-12FOR

* 176

13/4hlo. I2
2

I Y4

building

from

such as ocean

and other
plans.

crttising.

The

boats of tight construc-

be guided

by the fastening

sizes specified.
The
preciable

size of a drilled
extent.

hole

A general

for a screw
rule

affects

the screws

to follow for determining

holding

power

to an ap-

the lead hole size is 90 per-

<PLUG

(SEE TEwl-)

FZOUbJD
HEAr>
SCREW

F 1

LAG
OVAL

FLAT HEAD SClBti

AUP

cent

of the diameter

HEAP
SCREd

PLAWX

Figure

at the root of the screw

threads

The lead hole drill sizes in the table

the threaded

frame,

Id

FVAME
at= MOCERhJ
PROFbR-rIO~S

softwoods.
because

SCIZEW

part

of a screw

but it is best to check

wood to be used.

used

the table

Most builders

in hardwoods

are a guide

70 percent

for hardwood,

for fastening

sizes by driving

and

planking

in

such as oak,

is sunk

a few screws

6-3.

into

in samples

use just one drill for screws in mahogany

the

of the

or white cedar

planking
and oak frames and rhib is satisfactory
if the plank does not split in way of
the unthreaded
screw shank. If splitting does occur, you should drill through the plank
with a body drill that is slightly under the actual screw diameter.
The sizes for these
are also shown in Figure 6-2. It is recommended
that either laundry
soap or beeswax
be rubbed

in the threads

a lubricant

and

rt-duces

In thr best yacht

and plugged
of screws
putty

the driving

practice

(Figure

in thinner

over to make

of screws, especially

planks

are set slightly

invisible

was used for this purpose,

one of the many

polyester

pliers

sell plugs

of mahogany,

press

and

your

The

depth

thickness.
recommended

for wood

with

the grain

parallel

mer.

If hit too hard,

the surface.

material

hull.

with

is better.

or you can

while the heads

the heads

For many

like Duratite

compounds

or oak,

scraps
for the

are dipped

below

but modern
teak,

own from

This acts as

and over are counterbored

wood as the planking,

on the finished

auto body putty

of counter-bore

The plugs

into hardwood.

the screw holes in 5/Hplanking

6-3) with plugs of the same

the fasicnings

make

when driving

labor.

buy

Wood

Marine
a plug

puttied

years white

lead

Dough

hardware
cutter

or
sup-

for a drill

of wood.
plugs

in thick

should

paint,

that

is to have a natural

to that

of the planking,

the plug may be crushed

be about

waterproof
finish),

one-third

glue.

of the plank

or varnish

(the latter

set in the counterbored

and lightly

tapped

and it may swell later,

home

holes

with a ham-

possibly

breaking

51

F:l S7I*:l~VIN(;.s

Figure

the paint
harden.

film or at least
then

cut

6-4

presenting

the plugs

flush

an unsightly
with

flush off the plug with one cut of the chisel.

the lend hole.

lhesr

lhtw

lrv the c~outttcrsink

be done

can

arc patented

for the screw

and

the bond

a sharp

a day or so to

chisel.

Do not try to

take light cuts to determine

of the plank

run of
and

have

for the plug with a bit and then boring

with separate

countersinks

head

Give

below the surface

by counterboring

operations

hint- lht~ opt7ations.

with

Rather,

the grain: then you will not chip off the plug
to start all ovtr again.
Holes tot- screws are started

look.

the surface

bits or with bits that com-

that

patented

drill

the lead hole followed

ccmnterbores

that

drill

the lead

followed by the hole for the plug. (See Figure 6-3.) Ihe latter is used most tm-ause
unnttwwry
to c.ountcrsink
for a flat-head
screw that is to have a plug over it.
Plugs

can

ticularlv
either

sorncrimcs

near

the strakrs

hy carefully

reducing

become
ends.

staggering

the gauge

crowded
where

where

the plank

the holes

of the screw just

planking
wid:h

if the width

enough

strakes

is least.

are narrow,

par-

This can be overcome

of the frame

to use a plug

it is

will permit

it or by

of the next smaller

size.

Hardware
stores stock several types of wood screw pilot bits made for use in $!t 0 electric hand drills and made for screws up to about 2 Number
12. The two shown in
Figure

6-4 are suitable

for drilling

first a lead hole for the threaded

In most cases

with a countersink.

wootl~ so the lrit shown

For

years

IIMII~

ample,

W.L.

Fuller,

of which

are only used

panels

that

other

Inc.,

with finishing

located

washers

should

screws,

a hole for the shank,

be driven

below

Street,

Warwick,

7 Cypress

drilling
finishing

the surface
Rhode

of the
Island

round-head

screws are used in boats,

but,

for securing

rigging

masts,

fastening

a tang is made

will not permit

in light joinerwork

are removed
items

for flat-head

then

countersinks,
counterbores.
plug cutters,
and taper-point
industry.
Ordinarily
these items are difficult to find locally.

they are the logical

screws
and

the screw

arc only a few places where

the thin metal

countersinking

of the screw,

on the left is best.

02HHH. has been supplying

drills to the hoarbuilding
lhcre

and

part

from
behind
so that

time

where

to time

joinerwork.
the screw

tangs

fastenings

for access

to wooden

a countersunk
must

holes do not become

since

Oval-head

show and for securing

to such

In these places

hole.

for ex-

things

oval-head

as steering

gear

screws are used

too worn from

repeated

use.
Stainless

steel screws labelled

18-8 have become

easily available

in the standard

con-

ia
t~.-lS7F.~I.v~;S

figurations

of flat,

sold for less than

silicon

ing joinerwork,
experience

round,

and oval head

bronze

with them.

Stainless

are basically

sheet-metal

are threaded

for the entire

for bearing

Lag

therefore

they should

to use them
but can

length

that

type screws

until

for fasten-

1 have greater

are also easy to find.

be used in fiberglass

of the shank,

these will be

be considered

below the waterline

steel tapping

fasteners

It is possible

parts.

These

Normally

so they are best in tension

they

rather

than

loads.

Screws

I.ag screws,
can

screws;

but I am reluctant

wood screws.

5.5

sometimes

be turned

threads

callecl lag bolts.

in with

in the wood

a wrench.

until

lags are only used where

diarnt~tcr
in

Hanger

the holding

should

~galvariiztd

brass.

of the screw

for the length

and

wood

that
the

lost, therefore

A hole of the same

of the unthreaded

as for a regular

silicon

is gradually

or practical.

head

can wear

of a lag screw

are not possible

be sized the same

it-on,

tightening

power

through-bolts

as the lag screw is bored

for the thread

nlatlt*

are large wood screws with a square

Periodic

shank
screw.

and the hole

Lag screws

are

bronze.

Rolts

Ihese are ldg screws

Ihev art used

having

principally

the upper

or head

for fastening

propeller

end of the shank

shaft

stuffing

threatled

for a nut.

boxes and stern

bear.

ings and for holding

tlown engines to beds. Bv bat king off the hanger holt nut, these
fat- repair or rt~plactmenr
without
disturbing
the screw in the
parts mav ire rtmoved
wood.

IIanger

lrolts are turned

the end of the threads

ma&

of brass

Copper

Wire

Copper

nails

used

almost

planking
both

anti silicon

either

to a nut run down

on the threads.

They

are made

in the form

exclusively

as rivets

the planking

and

of common

for fastening

in lapstrake

frames

are light

wire
frames

construction,
in size. The

nails

with flat heads.

to floors,
and

stringers

planking

hole for the nail shouid

are

to frames,
where

be drilled

without it being so small that the parts split or the nail bends while
Drive the nail all the way in to draw the parts together;
then the

be backed

up against

They

to frames

up with an iron

while

a copper

burr

is driven

over the point

the nail. A burr is simply a washer and it is important

that it be a driving
,iail or else it will dance all over the place when the rivet is being formed.
driven

to

are usually

bronrc*.

laps to one another

must

applied

lot krd together

Nails

as small as possible
it is being dt-iven.
head

in witlt a wrench

or to two nuts

the wood with a set. which

is nothing

but a length

of

fit over the

The burr is

of steel rod with a

hole in the end slightly larger than the diameter

of the nail. With nippers, cut off the
point of the nail so that a length equal to one to one and a half times the diameter
of
the nail is left for riveting.
the riveting

with many

Again

with the head of the nail backed

up with the iron,

light blows with the peen end of a machinists

hammer.

do

Heavy

I,
56

E;4S7XNINC5

1 r\lO@-FERFZous

bi ,4 IL ~IZTE~

. roq
. 134

Figure

blows will bend

resulting
together.

6-5.

the nail inside

in a weak,

200

the wood.

loose fastening.

A bent

Light

blows

rivet

tends

form

to straighten

the head

and

under
draw

stress,

the wood

Copper rivets are excellent

for fastening
planking
when

for light work but are rather soft. Screws should be used
the size of the frame will permit them to be completely

sunk.

Nails

than

Wood

Screws.

are

also thinner
See Figure

screws

for the same

6-5 for sizes of copper

wire

job,
nails.

a point

discussed

under

u
Al

MOhlEL
ANCHORFAST
NAIL

tztf2zY
?.I0
Poltrr
-2

&HIsEL
POINT
GALs! BOAT NAIL

Galvanized

Boat

As mentioned
prcred
shank

rhcm.

and cithrr

pointed

rhesc

Thr

are clinched

nail

is driven

against

with

clinch

without

used

in heavier

are cheap

nails

a blunt

nails are driven

and

PItiT

Fi.gure 6-6.

BOA-I- hIAlL

Nails

before,

from

BLUNT

GAL\/

or a chisel
the frame

frames

and

and

across

the nail
are buried

In frames
project

the grain.

A nail

of acceptable

for plugs,

with a nail set and an attempt

the coating

Threaded

the heads

1 t/i R thick,

splitting

within

of either

the

frame.

the frame,
quality

a set shaped

to fit over the entire

new type of fastening

for a boat

is a nail with a unique

the
will

nails

Whether

are

or not

be driven

be made

of zinc by using

chisel-

the frames

Blunt-pointed

type nail must

must

be ex-

rectangular

/j H to :!i through

or the zinc coating.

entirely

life can

head,

To prevent

the surface
ting

too much
button

up to about

about

the holes are countcrbored

of the planking

not

a peculiar

with the grain.

edge

either

have

point.

so that the points

the chisel

cracking

fastenings

are forged,

below

to prevent

cut-

head of the natl.

Nails

A relatively

the nail is driven,

the grooves

wedges

the shank

that grip

on the shank

shape

to resist withdrawal.

the wood fibers

(See Figure

annular

thread.

into countless

6-6.)

It is claimed

takes 65 percent more force to pull this threaded

nail than an unclinched
boat nail, 31 percent more than a clinched
boat nail, and 3 percent more

AS

minute
that

it

galvanized
than a wood

screw. As these nails are avail ble in non-ferrous

material,
the objection
to nails
because of corrosion
has been overcome.
Some boatbuilders
have used these nails for
their
one

planking,
quarter.

and figures

show that some yards

have reduced

their

planking

labor

by

58

I;,4 SIENINGS

Figure

6-i.

There
abroad.
rolled

are quite
Tests

a few kinds

have shown

on the nail

Massachusetts

tional

Co. and

Nickel
nails

can

is used only

when

be identified

is not used

it is recommended

The

Monel

to bending

nails

when

Anchorfast

name

that

are stiffer

materials
second
than

form
nails,

Anchorfast

the threaded

by an anchor

nails of other

on the market,

of the thread

make
The

also makes

bronze.

that

02324.

drpendent

tant

nails

the importance

by the people

Bridgewater.
chorfast

of threzded

and

some made

one of the best is

Independent
is owned

nails

stamped

including

are made

on the head

be limited

the silicon

bronze,

to those
making

Inc.,

Interna-

of Monel.

An-

of the nail.

In-

and calls them Stronghold,

choice

Nail

by the

but if Monel
made

them

of silicon
more

resis-

driven.

For fastening
planking,
nails should
be the same diameter
as the screws they
replace,
or else more of them should be used. Pilot holes a!. recommended
by the
manufacturer
should be drilled for all but the smallest sizes. The pilot hole size recommended
is 50-70 percent of the nail diameter,
depending
upon the hardness
of the
wood, and about 80 percent
of the nail length.

FASTENINGS

F&we

In Figure
nails

usually

59

6-8.

6-5 are shown

found

the sizes of Monel

in the stocks of distributors.

nail and screw gauges as a guide

Figure 6-8 nail sizes for various
sizes, of course.
case.

must

Anchorfast
Figure

for those wishing

types of planking

be used with discretion,

and Stronghold
S-7 is a comparison

silicon

of standard

to substitute
nails for screws,
and decking
are tabulated.

as they do not necessarily

bronze

apply

and in
These
to every

60

FA .STEKIh'(;S

Figure
Unusual
Otller

Nail

than

6-9.

Fasteners

the copper

wire nails

othtxr copper

nails

unusual

is rlie squart-cuI

nails

that

struction
for fastening
ing the laps of clinker
the layers

have

of double

nails

are used only

iron

held

the point

work

to know
liails

ltw

against

planking

where

of rhe nail

fasreners

ing and

with softwoocl

iron

are two

can

Iw

used

in light con-

nail

frames.

some builders
and

are glued

rogether

When

the iron

the

a heavy

is held propIt takes team-

is flush wirh the wood.

will be driven.

and

ttr-ive the nails against

by a helper.

90 degrees

is more

is turned

without

rcliahlr

franles

but once the routine

is established,

forming

is held against

head

is flush

much

longer

ing fastened

a clcnc-hrd

the length
together.

This

When

the man
all takes

of the trail should

Figure

when

clout

nails

are used

but

as

plank-

used with hardwoods,

whrn

nail.

the point

a hook.

the hook and

with the wood.

rhe wood

a snug hole as described

through,

it into

into

lhis works all right in the laps of softwood

like those of canoes.

first drill

AS rhe nail is driven

and

back

adhesives.

than

For clench-nailing,
the point

lhcst*

of planking

of the planking
turns

the next

primary

nails.

there

art c~lf:;ichetl at a fast rate.

lhe point

rivet

nail.

between

the layers

a good bond.

[he inside

of the nail

clour

t-arlier.

lhe most common of thcsc

lo thin, flat frames such as seen in canoes, for fastenup to about 1, in thit.kness. and for quilt fastening

where

ensure

as mentioned

in boatbui!cting.

coppt.1

di.tgonal
ICI

ust (1 ds rivers.

a pIact

planking
planking

In the case of the latter.

erly,

CIt~rr~~Irirrg 11 c t~f)/o~r clr~trt IIC,II

is turned
th-

be compared

6-Y shows the elements

is about

completes

practice

for riveting

over by holding

point

outside

earlier

and some trials

the wood the

the nail until

to determine

to rhe thickness
of the clenching

wire

arl iron against

to enter

driving

copper

the
how

of the parts beprocess

and the

F,4 .S7f-;/YlNGS

3/4%
(by
I

/4 -KJ 3v
(by

Figure

nail

available

lengths

s-k?xr2
LorcrG
2,2-4,
llq)
Lot-lb

roves

power

CUI copper

of a square

Iremonl

which

have

ml* thick

hh

+icK

\hi;trk Ooml rrtlr%S

\i/tiilrt

Nail

Co..

Massat~husc~~~s 0257 1 antI 1)uck ~lrap Woodworking.

colnvillt~. Maim- 04X49.
Irtmonr is also a tiistril)utor
for ~rirditi0Ilal
square
sllaf>t* and tlishetl

2.7

I49

C-10. 7rtrfilt~orrfrl

from

61

the same

nail is a great

21
Kl;I)
boat

Wareham,
Road.
LinI
head

nails with a distinctive

funcrion

deal more

Elm
Street.
::P, Cannan

as our burrs.
than

a round

The

holding

wirr nail,

but the

traditional
use of square nails i\ as rivets. As with copper wire nail rivets. a snug hole
should be drilled and ht~ading should he done with light blows of the peen hammer.
for when the dished side is toward the wood, ir serves 10 tenIhe di:hetl rove is unique.
sion 111~rivt.1. lhc heads
planking.

~hrrefore

Miscellaneous

1 1 in diametrr.

tap drills.

t-tc.; then,

are made with flat.

and stainless sterl.
Staples,
pieces

for many
pensive

applied

of wood
other

in Figure
must

6- 10 should

be suitably

hc countt~rsunk

into the

shaped.

tyl)es ot fasrencrs

made of prol)t-r
as through-fastt,ners

i1IY

through

iron

Fasteners

Thert~ are 1 few other

I hey
useful

of nails shown

111~ hutking

that have some uses in hoat construction

when
materials.
Machine
screws are bolts and are
non-corrosive
for light work. Usual sizes arr from Numbt-r 6 (a fat 5/n) up

Figure

6- 11 is a rahle showing

will he times
round,

with hand,

when

1aminatir.g.

such jobs.

steel, otherwise

when

vou will find

and oval heads.

elecrri,.

bronze

or Monel

this very handy.

and in brass.

or air-operated

positioning

If the staples

hole sizes for clearance

fiberglass

chrome-plated
guns,

brass,

screws
bronze,

woven materials,

later.

musl

ultimate

The

Machine

can he used IO hold thin

or other

are to be removed
be used.

and for

and

they can he of inexstaple

that

I have

62

F/l S-IENINGS

BODY

$ -I-A9

DRILL-5

MACHINE

tb.

sCfEb&T

r&i

72

.ry3

@oLTS

TAf
DlzlLL

-M?EAD~
pf3z INCH

DIAM.

SIZE

@R USa ~TYWDARP

b40. 30

ZEt-

do- 20

32

t&u2

1 .a6

250

14

%3
II211

I &I. i3 I
F

2(/64

0 u yzff

QR 3/g,
5/1df 23/64

16
13

.500

do-

Jo.

10

-375

G-1 1.

seen is a rather
with

32
20

.3125

5hkl if

Figure

an air

staples

have

the edges

long Monel

gun.

been

and

wire staple

with coated

ttlc staple head will sink below

used to fasten plywood decking

many

otht1-r similar

plywood

legs that

defy withdrawal.

Driven

the surface of fir plywood.

These
that is glued to beams and around

parts.

Stapling
is the fastest method
of
securing
parts and is quite satisfactory
when used in conjunction
with an adhesive.
For many years rivc.ting remained
a method of fastening
used only by professional

UNLX!L? HEY PtJD

D UNDiS
AU

MACHINE

BOLT

(HEY!

HEAd

MACHIClE

l3OL-r

(FLAT

HtAC)

CLINCH

04?

5)QUARE

HANr3EE

IdeAD

-LT

WAE.Uf3-E

Figure 6-12.
111011Iv usd
huilrting.

Bolts
in

corn-6ouI

F.4SIE:NINGS 63

Figure 6-13. lht~ fmrut~ o/ II /into nusiliu,y

Iiorltd iI1 Ilrts tvxt.
metalworking

shops.

now be done by
opc.rated riveters.
serted

but due to the invention

back-up.
holding

together

rivets.

minor

riveting

Most hardware
stores carry these
amatfaur.
.Ihis kind of fastening
is a one-man
job, because
hole

and

srcur-cd

fop rivets arc- estensivcly

application

of pop

rivets

thfh

unto ;I drilletl

typical

yclt~ht, illu.,trctlirg /At*u.w.~o/ bolts mtn-

hull.

the samt

employed

is in securing
the deck,

from

and

rub rail.

extrusion
and the rivets
are of a 4milar
water, and generally
for fastening
thin

allov.
parts,

and

hand-

pop rivets are in-

side without

in production

a molded

jobs can

tht- need

fiberglass

for any

boatbuilding.

d~~ck tha:

fi:s <iier the hull.

The latter

is usually

the

an aluminum

A
rivet
alloy

Their use should be limited to above the

say an assemblv having a total thickness

such as aluminum
of no greater than h . Those who make their own metal enclosures,
alloy C;ISYSfor clcctrical
switc.hhoards,
will find that pop rivets make the job go a lot
easier

and

faster.

Fastening

Metal

10 avoid

galvanic

bearings,

rudderposts.

deck.

Fittings
corrosion.

fasten

seacocks,

untlc7water

bron7r

and

propeller

shaft

f)arts such
struts

with

as shaft
silicon

logs, stern
bronze.

On

fasten

silicon

stainless steel trim and hardware

with stainless steel, bronztb fittings with
fittings with hot -dipped galvanized
fastenings,
Marinium
bronze. galvanized

fittings

with stainless

Although
grt

steel or Monel.

it is not easy to find.

and

aluminum

you should

alloy

fittings

use Type 316 stainless

with stainless
steel when

steel.

you can

it.

Adhesives
Adhesives.

used either

the best fasteners.

alonr

However,

or in conjunction
it must

with mechanic-al

be remembered

that

fasteners.

an adhesive

are some of

is not a cure-all

64

l.~:~.SlE:NIN(;.S

and

that

ture

for it to provide

(when

pressure,

the

and

Until

curing

World

l-)ro~/

ones.

glued

up with

War

This

II there

fact

as directed,
and

with attention
working

to mix-

time,

clamping

were

water-rclsistant

only

protected

in boat

adhesives

thousands

from

of hollow

moisture

construction

by varnish

for interior

rather

masts
or paint.

joinerwork

than

and

&later-

booms

were

Water-resistant

that is not subject

to

is prote-*-:-
- finish coating.
CLCU-wit11
The modern counterpart
is marketed
Plastic Resin Glue (formerly
Cascomite).
This urea resin glue,

as Elmers

which

consists

proof

types,

properly

be used
temperature

notwithstanding,

it, being

and that

by Borden

it must

is two-part),

period.

glue still has a place

wetting

strength

adhesive

of a powder
has

good

that

is mixed

wnrking

with water,

time,

and

is less expensive

provides

a joint

than

that

the water-

is colorless

when

fitted.

The

breakthrough

development

from

water-resistant

of a resorcinol

consumers

as Elmers

resin

Waterproof

to waterproof

glue,

which

Glue

(formerly

adhesives

is also marketed

canoe

with

by Borden

Cascophen).

the

for small

It is packaged

in two

parts, a dark purple resin and a light-colored

powder,
and is best mixed by weight as
instructed.
It will produce a joint strnnger
than the surrounding
wood, but the joints
should
cinol

he well fitted
glue

fully to avoid
available.

must

glue

is often

to boatbuilders

until

too much

used IO secure
resin,

and

curing

has taken

, so the instructions

on by mixing

as a ltrea-formaltirhytic

benefit

be applied

in hot climates

excess rest hrought

Rcsorcinol

Described
great

and pressure

sets up quickly

Glue

builders

place.

as well.

hulls.

waterproof

Aerolite

care-

the time

of cold-molded
is another

Resor-

be studied

glut* for use during

planking

Aerolite

to aircraft

should

glue of

is a two-part

adhesive,
very easy to mix and apply. One part is a powder that is mixed with water to
the consistency
of an easy spreading
paste. The powder has a shelf life of two years; the
pastes shelf life is one to three

months.

which

has an unlimited

shelf

life.

other

surface

with

the

adhesive

is wetted

is strong,

temperatures

e\cll without

down

to 60F.

The second

Ihe paste
catalvst.

The

is a water-like

liquid

on one surface,

two

heavy clamping,
without

part

is spread

surfaces

are

it is gap-filling.

catalyst,

and

then

then

mated.

the
This

and it can be used in

heat.

Some of tl~r epoxy resins are among the best adhesives

for use in building
wooden
boats and parts. .Ihcy can even be used for joining
wood and polyester fiberglass parts
to polyester
achieve

bond,

out of the joints.

than

resorcinol

various

additivrs

from running.
ditives
epoxies

that

Epoxy

fiberglass.

a good

and

Not needing

pressure

for laminations

and

that

can

pastes

suited

epoxy

adhesive

simpler

to put together

high-strength

hulls

1: 1 ratio

a strong

require

not

enough

SC)that

joint ( epoxy

multiple
epoxy

of West

planking

to proper

105 epoxy

is easier

layers.

viscosity

r&n

pressure

that

mixtuie

planked

hulls or any other

can be used in temp:>ratures

compound

is IJnipoxy

epoxy

down
glue.

to use

There

are

to prevent

have several

of resin-to-hardener

to

it does not run

On the other hand, there

for use as is. Arcon E- 152 and Arcon

or diagonally

is a 1: 1 ratio

and

it does

to tell you about.

for strip

epoxy

with

to thicken

that are thick enough

Tech

strong,
if used thick

to ensure

the makers

thev will he glad

spreadable
T-88

be used

For instance.

available

is extremely

it is gap-filling

it

such adare other

E-154 are

use. Chem

that could
to 35F.

not be
Another

~:I.ST~:.LI.L;(;S

Caution

to Epoxy

Users

So much

is written

about

principaily

as an adhesive,
must
hardeners,

especically

and breathing
manufacturers
I have

and

the material

it would

be remiss

be used with caution.

is so valuable
not

Avoid

to warn

contact

to boatbuilders,
that

epoxy

resins,

with unprotected

skin

who were unhappy,

so beware!

for Adhesives

Most general

and marine

Waterproof

Glue

type plastic

laminatts

quarts

resins

that

the fumes released by epoxies as they cure. These words are to reinforce
directions
that are often taken lightly. I have never had a problem,
but

seen others

Sources

epoxy

65

hardware

stores

as well as the various

are handled

carry

brands

to wood and metal.

by Harbor

Sales

Co.,

Elmers

Plastic

of contact

The

Resin

cement

Elmers

glues

1401 Russell

Glue and Elmers

for sticking

in quantities

Street,

Formicalarger

Baltimore.

than

Maryland

21230.
Acrolire

is a (:iba-Geigy

Specialty

CI,.,

P.0.

(astern

L1.S.

from

product

Box 424.

distributrci

Fullerton,

Woodcraft

Supply

in the> lJ.S.

California

by Aircraft

92632.

Corp..

313

and

Montvalr

Spruce

is available
Ave.,

and
in the

Woburn,

Massac~huscc IS 0 I HOI
Following
mm1

arc* the* names

anti

addrf~ssrs

of thy

firms

produ(.ing

the

epoxies

Industrial

Park.

iont~tl:

Arcon I+ I52 and Arcon E-15-1. Allied

East W~~ymouth.
M;tssachust*tts
02 189.
(:he~rn-Tech

1-H8, Chem-Tech

Inc.,

Resin
Nj9

Corp.,
I~ancl~r

Wcymouth
Road,

Chagrin

Falls,

Ohio

44U22.
Wrsr
Michigan

I05

fyxy

Ilnipoxv
33561,

atlhcsivc,

Chugwn

Brothers.

Inc..

706

Martin

900 Fourth

Street,

Strecr.

Bay

City,

-18706.

glue.

Kristal

Kraft,

Inc..

Palmetto,

Florida

Chapter

10 properly

build

must

be (11awn

countless

how

a boat

from

full sire.
IO build

l)lans,

lhis fact
articles.

sional

boatbuilders.

but otIlcrs

has been
but

pit-tic)11 of a boat that instructions

drscription
of thr work involved.
once the
paratively

the hull lines

and

repeated

the job

to thr

point

is so important

of monotony

IO the successful

find

it IO be fascinating

work.

Either

way, it is true that

be assured that the combuilding

is time well spent

and will never be rqretted.

The full-size drawings
from which molds
are made are especially valuable
when more than one boat is to be built
plans,

or for the construction

OIW must
laitl

ctown

shipyard
loft,

lofting.
trussed.

trace

thr history

down,

floor was painted

of the floor there

served
Hull
The

to discover

floor-. Iht- full-si?tof a floor above

wtrc taken

where

the hull must

drawing

conform

board.

the work,

flat white

or light gray,
fixed batten

sometimes
having

so to speak,

in a

hence

the terms

mold-

thr mold loft was preferably

and there were windows

to provide
maximum
light. The wooden
sacred so somt~ vards prohibited
the wraring

was a permanently

hull lines are

of some sort, thus it was a

drawings,

off. Ihr roof above

to obstruct

why tht- full-size

a workshop

off the full-size

and taking

so t herr were no columnss

sides and o\~tAratl

smooth. sufficiently
The

of shipbuilding

always consisted

or templates

laying

class boat

and templates
from the same

tolerances.

on the trrold loft

almost

Molds

of a one-design

close dimensional

in
com-

in boatbuilding
would br incomplete
without
a
Thp job is distasteful
to some, even among profes.

plans are on hand one becomes

impatient,
but
few hours used to properly
prepare for the actual

to reasonably

plan

part of the construction

floor

was

of hard-soled

dull black,
an absolute

on all

level

and

shoes.

and on one edge

straight

edge that

as a baseline.
Lines

work of enlarging

the plans

from

the scale of the blueprints

to full size is termed

I.lhES

mold

lofting,

for it is from

hull and various

lines

that

Figure

reading

sections

as seen

the waterline

the deck line,

from

from.

He also needs
that

for the shape

interesting,

and

characterize
the profile

from

a hull.
(the

and

are obvious,

the shape of the boat

between

conveniently

buttocks.

establish

around

hulls

are the sheerline

of the bottom

for the builder

the three

the architect

and

ends
and

points

Altholtgh

to construct

lines.

simply

or

is viewed),

of the hull as seen from above.

between

these lines,

from

with the first three

These

outline

to aid the

because

prowling

most of you are familiar

of the

the different

be understood,

of the lines

they are not sufficient

are important,

the hull shape

waterlines,

really

the side,

the job more

magazines

in boatyards

are made

should

Some

a gulls eye view of the outline

lines

on planes

plan

prepared.

that

molds

as seen from the side at the same time the sheerline

these
define

that

to make

lines

of yachting

or stored

by the designer

of deck

above

Of course,

7-1 has been

construction

lines drawn

drawings

the architects

the desibm

under

parts.

constitute

beginner

edge

other

these

67

:IND L-I k.I.VIi 110 Wh

To provide

a hull
points

to

cuts the hull into pieces

for dimensions.

These

planes

are called

and diagonals.

If a hull could be lifted straight up out of the water without the resulting hole filling
in with water, the shape of the edge of the hole would be the same as the shape of the
boat at the surface

of the water.

it is one of the most important

architect

then

convenient
want

divides

spaces,

load waterline.

the depth

Then

are vertical

and

conveniently

centerline.

Finally,

the

diagonals,

because

they

points

having

it has been
points

outlines

or shapes
and

established
the many
shape

above

of the hull,

CI(~OSSthe hull have been

formed

by vertical

diagonal

fore-and-aft

wherever

a section

points

of the hull

of intersection

these

actually
drawn

planes

lines

no usable
planes

sections.

for the builder

called
planes.

dimensioned
of the hull,

and

for the purpose

are established

the fore-and-aft

intersecting

to the

are

vertical

signifirant

points

for the
to the

side of thr

these

and

the length

to intersect

are called

and

are drawn

one of the fore-and-aft

it is possible

as the architect

drawn

as many

the
into

parallel

to each

horizontal

lines running

that

located

outboard

are

and

subdivision

the load waterline

buttocks,

to provide

transverse

intersects

beiow

evenly
to the

lines are fore-and-aft

mentioned

the load waterline

For further

horizontal
planes which,
because
they are parallel

planes

diagonal

are located
as is possible.

on the surface

planes

dnd

called

spaced

of inclined

are drawn

for the boatbuilder

vertical
tical,

edges

planes

like the others,

All of the aforesaid

although

of the huil above

there

of the boat

lhese planes,

this line is called

by the designer.

and draws the edges of additional

better, are also called waterlines

of something

centerline

On the boat,
lines drawn

of
until

lines.

The

the horizontal,

A point
lines,

on the

verhull

and by means

to make molds

is
of

for the exact

has it designed.

Sections may be compared

to slices of bread. Just as is the case with the sections on a
shapely boat, the slices through
an old-fashioned
rye loaf are all different,
for the
.
.
shape is ever-changing
from end to end. A vessels shapr. :hen, LQIl
c-- be transm:tted
:nto
three-dimensional
form by making full-size templates
of the sections. When these are
set up at each sections respective station the same as called for in the lines drawing,
vessels shape in skeletal form has been established.
The vessels shape is represented
this manner

just

as a loaf of bread

would

keeping the spacing

of the remaining
slices
Figure 7-1 has been included
to pictorially

be if every

other

the same.
show waterline.

slice was removed,

buttock,

diagonal,

a
in

while
and

Y
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69

LINES AND L.-IYING DOWN

sectional

planes

the various
body

plan

diagonal,

a solid block

The shapes

it may

be seen

or waterline

Figure
necessary

are

shown

dimensions

these lines,

any specific
dicated,

how

a point

all the

lines

Note

that

spacing

board,

lines.

Because

tion,

that

and

a table

of the nature

is, on the body

Sometimes

of diagonals,

in Figure

7-1, and

foregoing

together

with

their

the

to build

a boat

have

worked

out for

and

not been

buttocks,

dimensions

For laying

a buttock,

plane.

do not attempt

of waterlines,

of dimensions

on

and on the

hull shown

in the

of the stem,

areas,

wherever

sectional

(Incidentally,

for illustration

as well as offsets for the profile

the stern

is created

for the same

mentioned

were sawn into pieces

by the shaded

on the hull

them.

as they are purely

of a hull

are shown

by an athwartship

lines drawing

to reproduce

purpose.)

half model

of the planes

is intersected

7-2 is the architects

on this plan
from

as though

planes.

and stations

are in-

for the profile

angle

out all the fore-and-aft

location

of

curved

can only be indicated

in sec-

plan.

it is possible

to define

the shape

of a hull

without

the use of diagonals,

such as in Figure l-7. In the case of a really simple hull with straight-line
sections (see
Figure 7-3), the sheer, deck line, chine, and/or
profile provide a sufficient
number
of
points
lines,

from

which

buttocks.

to make

and

the frames

diagonals,

or molds.

This

as will be explained

eliminates

a little

the need

further

ior water-

on.

Abbreviations
Before

we go any

reader

it should

furtlirr,

hulls have abbreviations

for words

to be familiar

bc pointed

out that

sets of lines

plans

for

and it is a help for the

with them.

Centerline

C.L.

Waterline

W.L.

Buttock
Diagonal

Butt. or buttk
Diag.

Baseline

B.L.

Station
Frame

Sta.

Deck

Dk.

Fr.

Length

over all

Length

of load

L.O.A.
L.W.L.

waterline

Section

Sect.

Displacement

Displ.
fl

Pounds
Longitudinal
Center

many

used thus far in this chapter,

center

C.B.

of buoyancy

or L.C.B.

C.G.

of gravity

Offsets
An offset is simply
straight

another

line of reference

in the case of the plan

name

for a dimension,

such as a baseline
view of the lines.

and

they are always

for the elevation

Dimensions

drawing

are tabulated

taken

from

or the centerline
because

it is obvi-

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LINES AND LAYING DOWN

FLAT tkTTOM

L.JEc-

loor

---VEE 6OTTOM LINES

Figure
ously impossible
To eliminate

71

7-3. Slrai~tll-sectrhncd

boats ham> simple

PLIH

lines.

to write them all on a lines plan and not have them become confused.

a multitude

of fractional

to write offsets in feet-inches-eighths

five and three-eighths

inches.

dimensions,
of inches.

it has been made general practice

For example,

2-5-3

means two feet,

(You will find that you will read them automatically

once you have tried a few.) Some architects

lines and offsets and read some dimensions

pride themselves
to one-sixteenth

on the accuracy

of their

of an inch; this is shown in

the offset table by a plus sign or lV$after the eighth numeral.

thus we get 2-5-3+

or

One of these days metric offset tables will make life a lot simpler than strug-

2-5-31/j.

gling with feet, inches,

and all those 64 fractions

The use of the offset table will be explained

of an inch.

further along,

but at this time it would

be well to note that the lines for a vessels hull are almost always drawn to the outside
surface

of the ht.&. Consequently

fiberglass

skin, or aluminum

when molds are made,

of the wood or

must be deducted

from the molds edges.

The lines for metal ships or large wooden vessels with built-up

sawn frames are drawn

to the inside of the plating

deducting

the thickness

or steel p!ating

the thickness

or planking

in order

from the full-size drawing of every frame,

drawn when sawn or metal frames are employed,

before
The

to save the mold

loftsman

from

all of which must be

for each frame is individually

shaped

installation.
hull lines discussed

waterlines,

buttocks,

above are for a round-bottomed

and diagonals

involved

depending

upon

boat,

the number

of

the size of the boat.

Other hull types have fewer lines. Figure 7-Y shows an ordinary flat-bottomed
rowboat
having but four fore-and-aft
lines, namely, the deck and sheer, and two views of the

72

LJNES A ND LA YING DOWN

chine,

which is the corner at the intersection

the lines for a v-bottomed

of a bottom

profile.

were curved.
established

of the side and bottom.

boat having lines similar

The sections of this particular

to a flattie except for the addition

boat consist of straight

other points would be needed to draw the sections,

by waterlines,

buttocks,

Also shown are

lines. If they

and these would be

and diagonals.

The Mold Loft

Although

we have said that the builders

thing is to find a place to do the job.

first step is lofting the hull, in reality the first

At a minimum,

or more feet longer than the boat in one direction,

to the dist-rnce from the baseline
there is one,
equipped

plus some space

boatyards

the space should be at least four

while in the other it must be equal

to the highest point of the sheer, or top of cabin if

on all sides for working

use a level wooden floor maintained

around

sanded smooth and coated with flat light gray or white paint.
an amateur
level space,

the drawing.

Well-

for just this purpose that is

It is too much to ask that

have such facilities at his disposal, so the next best alternative would be a
such as a floor or platform, where paper or plywood may be used to lay

down the lines.

A few years PRO while visiting boatyards I noticed lofting being done on a very
heavy, light bplge paper that was also being used for patterns for one-off parts. This
material

was 200.pound

Alexandritr

template

paper,

12 square feet per pound. In

each case it was purchased

from a paper goods supply house in a nearby city. The in.

formation about the paper is given here, but the amateur builder will probably not be
able to cope with the cost of this 72 wide material. Each roll is said to weigh between
500 and 6Otl pounds -- a lifetime

supply indeed.

The drawing supply people make a buff detail paper of acceptable

quality,
available up to 48 and 54 in width, in rolls of 10. 20. and 50 yards and priced
reasonably.
Some of the paper-faced
building panels are also all right, and SO is
plywood, as mentioned above, in standard-size panels that may be arranged edge to
if several pieces are used to
edge to make any size desired. Whatever the material,
make up the required size, the pieces must be secured against movement.

Lofting

Tools

The tools for lofting are few and simple.

are used, sharpened
Colored
different

To draw sharp lines, flat carpenters

pencils

to a chisel point so a thin line may be drawn for a long distance.

pencils may also be used to advantage

types of lines. For measuring,

to make it easier to distinguish

a steel tape is ideal for long lengths,

between
but an or-

dinary folding six-foot rule will do, and the rule can also be used to lay off many short
dimensions. A large carpenters square, either as manufactured
or homemade out of
:/H
or % wood, is needed for drawing lines perpendicular
to other lines, such as for
station

lines in relation

with a regular

to the base and waterlines. You may also erect perpendiculars

or improvised beam compass, as will be shown later. The adjustable

bevel shown in Figure 3-1 will be found handy,

as will a straightedge

six or eight feet

long, which you can make yourself from a piece of thin wood. For marking

the really

LINES AND LA YING DOWN

long, straight

base and waterlines,

you should use either a masons chalk line, pencil-

ing the line on the floor before the chalk rubs off, or a length
line stretched
intervals

tightly between

73

two nails,

marking

of about three feet, to be connected

of light, strong fishing

in points directly

under the cord at

later with a straightedge.

Battens
Fair curves have no bumps and are pleasing
set of battens,

which

are nothing

more

white pine or other such wood. These

than the line to be drawn.

to the eye. To draw them, you must have a

than straight,

When the available

tens can be made up of two pieces connected

making

a tapered

square-edged

pieces of clear

should be at least two feet longer at each end

glue splice of about

stock isnt long enough for the job, batin the middle,

18 to 2 in length.

pieced if you make sure there is a fair overlap

For best results, you should use as stiff a batten

where the curve is least, by

Or the line itself may be

over the length of a couple of stations.

as will go through

all the points on the

curve, for a stiff batten will tend to fair itself unless unduly forced, whereas a supple
batten can be passed through all the points and not lie fair. It is difficult to say just
what size battens should be used, as the correct

size depends so much on the length of

the lint and the character of the curve.

A batten 14 to $1 thick by 1 th to 2 wide used on the flat is suggested
relatively

easy curves like the sheerline.

the battens at the ends somewhat,

For certain

for

curves it may be necessary to taper

with ail the taper cut on one edge. For curves in the

plan view, also known as the half-breadth

plan, something like I$$ x 1 Mor th x 1 t,4

used on the flat, possibly tapered at the ends, or :?t square and untapered might be
tried.

Like a lot of boatbuilding

selection

of batten

operations,

accumulated

experience

sizes. If you have a table saw, start by making

heavy side until you get the hang of it, ripping

the strips narrower

will aid in the

the battens on the

as needed.

Curves

such as sections. the stem profile. and similar shapes will be drawn with shorter battens, probably j/Hand 14 square, and inasmuch as these curves sometimes have
harder bends in the middle than at the ends, such as around the turn of the bilge, they
may have to be tapered

in the middle in order to make a fair curve that touches all the

points.
A batten is held in place wiih finishing
it. Not necessary

nails driven on both sides of it, not through

but very desirable

by any means,

from

the standpoint

of readily

sighting the shape of a batten when sprung to a curve, is a coat of flat black paint. The
contrast

of the dark batten

against the light-colored

floor or paper will help detect a

line that is not fair.

The Grid
By examining
waterlines,

the table of offsets,

buttocks,

lines and are measured

the straight

diagonals,

Figure

sheer,

7-2. it will be seen that dimensions

for the

and profile curves are laid out on the station

above the baseline

and out from the centerline.

lines that must be laid down in the beginning.

Therefore,

it is

This group of lines, called

the grid, is shown in Figure 7-4. You will note in Figure 7-5 that the grid is set up in a

MAUI.!

A SCRtES

lfJ?tCTLY

OF

Pear J-r5

b4VER

CURL7

11ol-n srR.ocl5

-DRAV/ltdG
D a, m

A STPAIGHT

;LO,L
T

LINE-

.-,
AIL

--

VJlTb-4 5HARP

POdT

--

-BEAM
I

cdcq

FLOOR,
JfRCTCntV
bCTwee~
t-JAILS

COMFASS

SHCCR

K-f-l

*Al-&~

I
t

.
a

e 1

jZIXj ;I\

;iL,F

i ,,,,,,,,
/,,I[;;
,j
I \
1,

al

-THE

Figure 7-4. The grid for full-sized

out on a suita ble.floor.

._
t

.
BA5E BA7-t-d
(OPTlOtiAL)

GRID-

hull lines is comprised

of straight lines and is laid

/T

met6.w mctt

FOE

CLAEWy

THE

HAL/E

DIAGo~IALS

hJOl-

BEt?!d

AtiD

BUlTOC<

5HOWd

L HALF BUEAOTH
OF 5l-EM
FACE

Figure 7-5. The lofied hull lines are arranged d$ferently,from

plan in order to save space on the mold lqft floor.

those on an architect Ys

76

LINES AND LA YING DOWN

compressed

form relative

to the paper

plans:

the half-breadth

over the profile drawing to save space and to minimize

plan is superimposed

the distances one must crawl on

hands and knees when laying the lines down. (Some professionals
crawling

around

swivel casters.)
the baseline

the loft floor by building

Thus the grid is started

for the profile

save themselves from

a dolly of padded plywood mounted

by drawing a straight

view and the centerline

on low

line that doubles both as

for the half-breadth

plan.

The

spacing of the stations is laid off along this line and the stations are drawn in perpendicular

to it.

The perpendiculars
beam compass,

may be drawn either

or an improvised

has been used as a practical

with a set of trammel

a regular

one, and is done as follows. Mark a point A (Station

example

in Figure 7-4);

a center., strike an arc B equidistant

From the intersection

then using the compass with A as

to each side of point A. Lengthen

compass and, using each of the points B as a center,

the baseline.

points,

the arm of the

strike two intersecting

C draw a straight

arcs above

line through A on the base. The

line CA is perpendicular
to the base. This method can be used at each station, or it
can be used at only one, with the resulting right angle used to build a large square for
drawing

in the remainder

The spacing

of the stations

of the straight

waterlines

plan and they are drawn in parallel

perpendicular
in profile

to the baseline.

waterline

for reference,

waterline,

except at the ends of the boat. Therefore,

the two end stations

With

lines

the exception

of the load

to draw the profile

view of the

mark off the waterline

spacing on

it is not usually necessary

and again one or two stations

to the base.

is taken from the architects

from the ends and draw them in

with a straightedge.
As mentioned above, the offsets for the curves are dimensioned as heights above the
baseline or distances out from the centerline as the case may be. Some of the dimensions will be long enough

that you will not be able to tell readily whether

the end of

your rule is exactly on the line or not. To be sure of this and to save time, some
builders nail a batten against the under side of the baseline as shown in Figure 7-4.
The end of the rule can then be butted against it when making measurements.

lnstead

of a batten, a nail may be driven at each intersection of a station with the base. You
will find either way to be very helpful and, to say the least, easier on the knees.

Sheerline

and Deck line

Either the sheerline

or the deck line will be the first curved line to be drawn and faired.

For the sake of argument

7-2, shows is dimensioned

we will select the sheerline,

above the baseline.

reads 2-11-O for the height of the sheer:

Starting

which the table of offsets, Figure

at the bow, Station

0, the table

so with the rule against the nail or batten

measure up two feet, eleven inches above the base on Station 0 and make a mark.
Move the rule over to Station 1. read 2-7-2 from the table and make a mark 27%
above the base. The process is repeated similarly at all of the stations.
With all the points marked, it is time to select a batten with which to draw the
sheerline,

placing

it so that it extends beyond the length of the boat at each end. With

one edge of the batten against the sheer point on a station

boat we are using as an example,
the batten

at Station

amidships,

Station

drive nails to hold the batten in place.

2, then at Station

4, alternating

3 of the

Now fasten

towards the ends of the boat un-

LINES AND LA YING DOWN

til the batten is sprung to and fastened
ject beyond the boat,
After the batten

at all the points. The battens

should be sprung

to extend

is secured for the entire

to the unfairness

and note the result.

ends, which pro-

the curve fairly and then nailed.

length,

are any unfair or lumpy spots in the curve.

77

sight along it to see whether there

If so, pull the nails at the stations adjacent

If the batten

moves very far from one of the

points and still does not appear to be fair. pull other nails and make adjustments,

giv-

ing here and taking there until the resulting

line is pleasing to the eye. You may expect

points to be out of line occasionally

the architect

scale

compared

because

to the full-size job;

thus errors

However,

it must be remembered

to obtain

a sweet and true curve without

The deck line is faired

measured

Profile

has drawn the lines to a small

are bound

to creep

that the batten should be shifted

into the work.

as little as possible

hard spots.

in the same manner

after it has been laid down from offsets

out from the centerline.

and Rabbet

After the deck line has been drawn in and faired, you can continue working on the
profile plan, drawing and fairing the profile (bottom of keel), the stem, and the rabbet. The rabbet line is normally

found in traditional

wooden construction,

although

it

may or may not exist in other types of wooden hull construction,

or in fiberglass or
metal hulls. For these latter hulls, a similar line may be referred to by some other
name. In any rasc, the lines plan will make all this clear.
The profile and rabbet must be faired in so that they will meet the relatively
curves of the stem and stem rabbet.

way 1.0 ensure that the two sets of curves will meet fairly is to extend
profile

forward beyond

quick

INith these bow curves not yet drawn in, the best

the point of tangency

note that this has been done in Figure

the rabbet

with the stem and its rabbet.

and

You will

7-5.

The stem profile and the stem rabbet are drawn with a thin batten, as mentioned
previously. When points for the stem curves have been marked in from the dimensions
on the lines plans, a nail is driven at each spot, the batten is bent against the nails, and
other nails are driven on the opposite side of the batten
If your particular

plans give a half-siding

to hold it in place.

for the rabbet,

this should be drawn in

next before going on to the body plan.

Body Plan Sections

It is strongly recommended

that the body plan be drawn on a separate

portable

board.

Such a board is easy to move around to suit making molds, and it avoids confusion of
lines on the floor. Referring to the body plan for the lines in Figure 7.2, you can see
that the board or paper

used for the sections

must be somewhat

wider than the boat

and at least as high as the distance from the baseline to the sheer at Station 0, the bow.
Begin by drawing the baseline; then draw the centerline perpendicular
to the base.
The waterlines are drawn in parallel to the base, the buttocks parallel to the centerline
and the diagonals

exactly

as dimensioned

on the lines plan.

Needless

to say, trouble

78

LINES AND LA YING DOWN

will result if the waterlines

and the buttocks of the body plan are not spaced exactly the

same as they were laid out on the half-breadth

Cut some narrow strips of straight
transferring

and profile plans.

wood anywhere

to the body plan the deck half-breadths

from /,bto /Bthick for use in

and the sheer and rabbet heights

from the already faired lines on the floor. Butt the end of a strip against the baseline
and mark

the half-breadths

and heights on the stick,

with a symbol and the station number.

or battens

and one is shown in the picking

on the centerline.

point and draw in the width of the rabbet.

and with the pick-up
width corresponding

stick against

points;

the sheer height/deck

Draw short horizontal

Draw horizontal

batten,

centerline

lines at each rabbet

mark the deck

of sheer and deck draw a

Each section now has two definite

width intersection,

and the intersection

Nail a batten

mark points for all the waterline

table and label each one. For instance,

of the rabbet

against one side of the

with its end against

half-breadths

lay the rule on waterline

and from the offset table under Station

from the offset

2A to the right of the

1 mark off l-l-2,

put a little circle

around it with a 1 next to it to show it is a point on the section at Station

1.9- 1 for Statinn

done, go on to the buttocks.

Place the rule on Buttock

end of the rule at the base and mark all the heights for Buttock
Follow with Buttock

II. Then

at the centerline

Move the batten

and diagonal

1; then mark

2, and so on. Do the same with the offsets for the other waterlines.

With the waterlines

again

7-5.

lines at each sheer height

on the body plan and with the rule laid on a waterline

the centerline

4 in Figure

of the body plan,

number.

height and width.

Now to fill in some of the points in between.
centerline

at Station

At each intersection

small cross and label it with the station

each one

of your body plan, mark the heights

the centerline

to each station.

identifying

sticks are called pick-up sticks

up position

With the end of the pick-up stick at the baseline

of the sheer and rabbet

carefully

These measuring

lay the rule along the diagonal

and lay off all the diagonal

to the left side of the centerline

offsets for the sections

I with the

I from the offset table.

with the end of the rule

offsets along the diagonal

and lay out all the waterline,

lines.

buttock,

in the stern half of the boat. Needless to say, all

the layout and transfer of measurements

should be done with utmost care and accuracy. In the end, the time spent to this end will speed the job to completion faster
than if the work is done in a slipshod manner.

Rdy

Plan

Battens

Nails are driven

around

at all the reference

the nails of each section,

the sheer

point

and beyond

marks on each

using a batten

the rabbet

section.

Then

a batten

is bent

long enough to extend 6 or so above

at the centerline,

as shown in Figure

7-6.

Holding the sheer and rabbet points as definitely fixed by the previous fairing of these
lines, examine the batten carefully and shift it, if necessary, to get a smooth, true
curve. Before doing any shifting, remember that points established by lines crossing
other lines at right angles,

or nearly so, are more accurate

crossings at acute angles. When two lines intersect

precisely

at which spot on a line the crossing occurs;

architect,
tersections.

working from his small-scale

(See Figure 7-7.)

drawing,

than those established

at an acute angle it is difficult

consequently

by

to tell

it is possible for the

to misread offsets taken from such in-

With this fact in mind,

it is readily seen that for the flat

LINES AND LA YING DOWN

79

3A

Figure 7-6. Tfz~ body P/UHis best drawn on a portable

lCrct>called a .\criuc board.

part of the bottom

sections,

give the most unreliable

the best points are given by the buttocks.

points for the same parts of the sections,

hand, they are the best for the topside sections.

in the architects
diagonal,

may appear

may be ignored,

Faking

scaling

sur-

technique.

The waterlines
but on the other

Points may also be out due to mistakes

As a result, all the points on one line, such as a

to be out by the same amount.

the other points being

In such a situation

these points

held if they give a fair section or line.

Diagonals

Fair the diagonals

first, because they are laid out to cross the majority

of the sections at

a good angle. Lay a pick-up batten along a diagonal in the body plan, mark and identify all the points where it crosses the sections; then move the batten to the halfbreadth

plan

and

mark

each

diagonal

half-breadth

on its proper

Figure 7-7.

station.

The

80

LINES AND LA YING DOWN

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&.G

Figure 7-8. Four steps in finding

o/the? stern.

ofa

the correct ending

diagonal that crosses the face

diagonai is then faired, again proceeding as described for the sheerline. If the batten
will not go through all the points and at the same time produce a fair line, the usual
adjustments
must be made. Bearing in mind not to make more changes than are
necessary,

the sections on the body plan are then corrected

Long

Line

When

fairing

accordingly.

Endings

The location
the profile

the long fore-and-aft

of waterline

endings

lines, it is necessary
is fairly simple.

to terminate

Considering

of the stem has been faired and drawn permanently.

the stem profile

with one of the waterlines

is a definite

them correctly.

the bow in Figure 7-5,

Each intersection

of

point in the profile plan, and

the corresponding
point in the half-breadth
plan is found simply by projecting the intersection in the profile down to the line ~spresenting the half siding of the stem face in
the half-breadth

plan as shown in A in Figure 7-5. The aft endings are done exactly

the same way, as indicated

this particular
other waterlines
Buttock

at B in the stern end of the same figure. It is obvious that in

design only the L.W.L.

cross the section

ends within the boat at the stern, because the

at Station

endings are also quite simple.

6.

A short length of a buttock

is drawn in plan

to cross the deck line, and then the point of crossing

is projected

tersection

in the profile view as shown at C

with the sheer is the ending of the buttock

in Figure 7-5. When drawing the waterlines

and buttocks,

those on stations are established

wherever a waterline

7-5 illustrates

of the L.W.L.

Buttock

how the crossing

II in plan gives another

fairing points in addition to

and a buttock cross. D in Figure

and Buttock

point on the L.W.L.

to the sheer. The in-

II in profile projected

to

in plan.

The determination
of a diagonal ending at the stem is somewhat more difficult to
understand;
therefore the steps taken are shown in Figure 7-8, which should be selfexplanatory.

81

LINES AND LAYING DOWN

The preceding explanation

of lofting a round-bottomed
boat is modified for other
types such as v- and arc-bottomed
hulls; generally speaking, the latter types are easier
to loft. However,
in common,

all boats except double-enders

and that is the development

have one additional

of the transom

lofting problem

or stern board.

Projected Transom
After the sections have been faired satisfactorily,

it is time to consider the development

of the true shape of the transom or stern board of the boat. Sometimes,
plumb verticai,

in which case the section

shape of the transom.

More often,

shape does not appear

in the body plan.

need not be reproduced

view of the transom,

drawn at the transom

the transom

is raked,

the transom is

station is actually

the

with the result that its true

This view is meaningless

to the builder

and

full size on the mold loft floor. The same is true of the plan

although

it may be useful for obtaining

transom

bevels.

The only way that a true view, and thus a pattern, of a raked transom can be gotten
is if its shape is projected square off its centerline in the profi!e view.

Flat Transom
Development

Development
of the shape of thr transom

there is nothing
of the simplest

type, and its transom

rake of the transom

transom

is not necessary

puzzling

shapts development

in profile has, of course,

given on the architects

developed

is sometimes

to the builder,

really mysterious about the work. The 12 rowboat

lines plan.

For

is shown in Figure 7-9. The

been previously

c35c

but

has a flat transom

of illustration,

drawn from dimensions

the centerline

for the

has bren drawn at the stern end of the lines in Figure 7-9, but this

and it may be located

on a separate

board or piece of paper.

The transom is just thr same as any section, except that it is located at an angle with
the baseline instead of perperldicular
to it. Points on the transom are taken from the
waterlines and buttocks the same as ordinary sections: it is merely a matter of picking
up the waterline

half-breadths

thcqm to the development

If you have space
Figurr

and buttock

for the transom

7-9, thr dcvelopmrnt

remember

throughout

Therefore,
centerline

at the end of your lines, as shown in

as indicated

in the diagram.

plan elsewhere.

the development,

but due to the profile angle of the transom,

drawn across

In Figure 7-9 the centerline

the transom

for the transom

and tt,en the intersections

grid

is obviously

across the centerline

and rabbet intersecti(Jns

with the transoms

are spaced 5

the distance
greater

togetht.

be-

than

5.

measured along

the

grid has been drawn parallel

of waterlines

in profile are projected

for this rowboat,

if you

point to

or you may end up with a stern board that

when laying out the grid, the spacing must be carefully

of the transom.

of the transom,

However,

there is one important

On the profile drawing of the lines the waterlines

apart above the L. W.L..

tween the waterlines

drawing

is exactly

must locate the grid for the transom

will not fit as it should.

heights at the right places and transferring

drawing.

to the rake

and the sheer with the transom

with projections

face. With a flat transom,

you can lay off the spacing of rhe buttocks

of the buttock
as in the design

the same as they are on the

.,

82

LINES AND LAYING DOWN

Figure 7-9. Ikwloprnent

body and the half-breadth
rcnterline.

plans,

and draw them in the grid parallel

Two points, P, are established

on the transom

tocks thus drawn cross the lines projected

width of the rabbet,
Now project

to locate

another

the intersections

file down to the centerline

o/ a Jlat transom.

development

from the buttocks

point,

where the butLay off d, the

R.

of the waterlines

of the half-breadth

in profile.

to the transom

and buttocks

with the transom

plan. The waterline

half-breadths

proa, b,

and c are picked up with a batten and laid off as points A, B. and C on the
corresponding lines in the grid. With all the points spotted, draw in the transom with a
batten

the same as you did the regular

sections.

If you must draw the transom on a separate sheet, very carefully pick up the spacing
of the intersections
along the profile of the transom on a batten, as shown in Figure
.

7-9, and complete

location

Curved

Development

Transom

A curved transom
the development

on either a sailboat

above.

or powerboat

is very handsome,

and although

is more involved than for the flat type, the extra work is worthwhile

when the transoms

curved transom

of points as described

finished appearance

is not generally

necessary

above this range the curved transom

must on a hut1 with an overhanging
develop,

due to the combination

transom

in profile.

is considered.

viewpoint,

on small craft up to 20 or 25 feet overall, but

becomes a necessity,
counter

sltirn. This

for good looks is an absolute

type is the most difficult

to

of the radius to which it is built and the angle of the

The planks forming

with a radius perpendicular

From the aesthetic

such a transom

are bent to the arc of a circle

to the after side of the transom

as seen in profile.

A pat-

--

- --

--

--.-.

-----

Li

-.-

2% AND L.-l YING DO Wh

tern for the shape must be made, and this is accomplished

as thougtl G rvlinder

83

:~~~-~:Y

cut and rolled out flat.

A transom

proportioned

as shown in Figure

7-10 is developed

tocks, because they cross the edges of the transom

the waterlines,

and thus are the most accurate.

clo-Fly as needed
7-10

has been

are an infinite

to hc!c, you make proper

purposely

but ordinarily,

between

those shown on the lines plan.

Before the transom

usually to a staticn

extra buttocks
is attempted,

beyord

chitect

designs to a vertical

desired

angle in profile

and they may be spaced as

for parts

buttocks

for development

The stern in Figure

to develrp

the transom

of the tramt.m

station

ac-

must be added

the hull lines have been completely

the transom.

with but-

lines plan are not the only ones it is

number,

templates

drawn with enough

curately,

with but-

By this time you are familiar

tocks and must realize that those on the architects

possible to have on a hull. There

principally

more nearly at right angles than do

faired full size,

To be sure of the shape of his hull, the ar-

at the extreme

stern and then cuts it off at the

and in a radius in the plan view as mentioned

above.

There are undoubtedly many methods of transom development in use and sworn to
by their advocates. However, the system illustrated here will at least help the reader
understand

the principle.

the profile and half-breadth

plans of
7-1C have been drawn separated and the transom radius made

the stern in Figure

smalier

To avoid confusion,

than usual to clarify the drawing.

to another.

After following

Dashed lines show the projection

the development

of the flat transom

of the buttocks in Figure 7-10 is obvious, with the exception

of one view

in Figure 7-9. the use

of their spacing in the grid

for the expansion.

Extend the after side of the transom in profile up clear of other drawings,
7-lOA, and draw a centerline perpendicular
to it. Tangent to the intersection,

Figure
swing

an arc of radius as shown on the plans. This is the curve to which the transom planking
will be bent when it is built.
same as in the half-breadth

Draw the buttocks

plan. Project

down to cross the corresponding

the expanded
measured

transom,

around

measurements

buttocks

Figure 7-lOB,

the arc instead

to the centerline,

spaced the

of the burtocks with the arc

in the profile view. Now prepare the grid for

spacing

the buttocks

out from the centerline

of as laid out in the half-breadth

give the true distances

som is rolled out flat. Project

parallel

the intersections

between

the buttocks

the buttocks

plan.

when the cylindrical

as

These
tran-

in profile to the grid to obtain points on the

edge of the transom as was done in the flat transom, Figure 7-9. For clarity only one
buttock, Buttock II, has been used as an example in Figure 7-10.
In order to find the point where the transom
line is drawn in the auxiliary
in this view, select convenient
above the centerline

the auxiliary

ferred

at the sheerline.

points (P) along the projections

with the sheer parallel

to the stations

the deck

To draw the deck line

centerline;

square them

and then square

to cross the deck line in

plan. The widths of the deck at these points are lifted, transf+=rr?d tn

projection,

at the deck is located

breadth

terminates

shown in Figure 7-10A.

and also down to cross the sheer on the profile:

the points of intersectior?

the half-breadth

projection

and a batten

of the point is measured

to the grid.

is run rhrough them. The corner of the transom

where the deck line intersects

from the centerline

the arc of the transom.

around

The half-

the arc and duly trans-

RADl U5 OF
TRA?450M -

CE~NTWZ AINC

--

yy~~,gNSO~

,L E!%PANoeo

Figure 7-10. Steps in the development

of a curved transom.

LINES

7-l 1. The complete

Figure

Powerboat
Sailboat

devehpment

.J?.D L.4 S1.1;G Ml IZN

85

of the curved transom started in Figure 7- 10.

Transoms
transoms

often

have considerable

rake,

as shown in Figures

7-10 and 7-11,

but there is usually little angle to those on modem power cruisers. A small amount of
rake may be neglected in the development
of the transom, and the radius can be
drawn directly

on the half-breadth

plan,

as will be explained.

The powerboat

stem

shown in Figure 7-12 is not typical of many present day boats in that the topside sections do not tumble home. This avoids having waterlines that pile up on top of one
another and makes the transom development easier to understand.
Draw the profile
profile
Holding
jected

angle of the transom

view of a waterline
the specified

or buttock

radius constant

points on the centeriine

the half-breadth
buttocks

intersections

throughout,

(using the C.L.

crosses the 1;~~ on the half-breadth

profile

and project

every intersection

up to the centeriine

of it with the

in the half-breadth

swing an arc from each of tht pro-

as center for the radius) until th: arc

plan corresponding

to the line in profile.

with the arcs back down to the corresponding

and then across to the grid, Figure

on the grid are spaced as measured

plan.

7-12A.

Of course it is important

around

the arc, Figure

7-12B.

ProyWc:
lines in
that the

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LINES

AND

1 1 YING

DOWN

87

The development is the shape of the outside edge of the transom planking, but
allowance must be made for the bevel on the edges, which causes the transom to be
on the inside than on the outside face.

larger

planking

thickness must be deducted

Computer-Aided

before

When making
the allowance

the transom

for beveling

frame,

:he

can be made.

Lines Fairing

The purpose of much of the work described

architects

lines drawing.

drawing,

due to mistakes

manship.

It may not pay an amateur

in this chapter

is to correct

Errors creep in due to the necessity of making

made in reading

the offsets,

to depart

and because

from the time-tested

errors in the
a small-scale

of sloppy draftsmethods of lofting

ani, mold-making,
hull

but the professional should certainly investigate services that fair

Such computers
fair the lines from the table of offsets.
lines by computer.

resulting

in corrected

offsets reading to one-sixteenth

of an inch or one hundredth

foot. (It is easy to lay out offsets in feet and decimals

foot folding

rule.)

A logica!

extension

with an ordinary

of computer-aided

lines fairing

of a

surveyors sixis the full size

drawing of the body plan, and this is discussed in the next chapter.
I have used firms supplying computer-guided
lofting for hulls up to 78 feet in length.
25 Hallett Hill Road, Weston,
Such lofting is available
from Justin E. Ketwin,
Massachusetts

02193;

Bristolcomp,

Street,

Rhode

Island 02809;

Bristol,

#3, Baldwinsville,

New York

13027.

c/o Halsey

C.

and Hullforms,

Herreshoff,
Inc.,

Inc.,

3667 Woodland

18 Burnside
Drive,

RD

Chapter

S, TEMPLATES,
AND THE BACKBONE

Upon completion

of the full size drawings of the lines for the hull. the builder is at last

ready to start cutting wood, be it for frames for a sawn-frame

round-bottomed

hull or a male plug for a fiberglass

Molds are made from the body plan, and because

made from lower grade lumber

boat or for molds for a

or cold-molded

wooden hull.

they are only temporary,

they are

than that used for the boat parts. Any lumber except

hardwood is suitable, the thickness of the molds varying with the size of the boat. A
rough guide is XV for boats to 16 , % for 16 to 24 , and 1 rror 1 igNfor Z&footers. As
you will see further

along,

the molds are set up on the backbone

and strips of wood called ribbands

cept that ribbands

are bent around

the molds similar to planking,

have spaces between them. The frames for a round-bottomed

are bent to shape against the ribbands.

There

is gained

that setting

exboat

are two schools of thought as to whether

the frames should be bent inside or outside of the ribbands,

experience

or keel of the boat,

up the frame

but it will be observed as

for the boat is simplified

when the

frames are bent inside the ribbands.

When a number

advantageous

mold, in which case the frames are bent outside

to make a permanent

and the mold is removed

for further

The lines for the 12-footer

the outside of planking
the frames

use when the hull has been planked.

in Figure 7.2, like those for all small boats, are drawn to

and the full-size lines are lofted accordingly.

are bent inside the ribbands,

the thickness

of boats are to be built alike it is

of the planking

For setups where

the molds for the sections are made only after

has been deducted.

Similarly,

frames

for v-bottomed

boats are made only after the thickness of planking has been deducted.
It should be obvious after you have studied construction
that to make a mold for a
round-bottomed
bined

thickness

boat with the frames bent on the outside of the ribbands,

of planking,

framing,

and ribbands

must be deducted

the com-

from the sec-

tions that are drawn to the outside of the planking.

For methods
88

other than conventional

wooden construction,

the ways of getting the

MOLDS, TEMPLATES, AND THE RACfiLDNE

89

MAW
THICdNES5
OF
PlAhi~lbJB
AT
C?EQUEtdT ItdTERLALS

RAOlYS=
OF

THIC~(NE
l=LANC(\NG

-BOD)/ PLANFigure 8-l. Plajrking thickucss can 6~ deducted

by sin~ply drawing a
parullel wction insido the IWP sections by thr amou,tt o/ planking thickncss. Howtqler, this is not a zltq accurate method.

deductions

depend

upon the peculiarities

of each construction

plug that will be used to form a female mold for a fiberglass

the plug planking
jig-

or covering

need be deducted.

call it what you will) for a so-called

in the chapter

on Fiberglass

the outer fiberglass

thickness.

one-off

fiberglass

of the hull planking

sandwich

the deduction

plus the core material

To make a male mold for a cold-molded

to the total thickness

ribbands.

hull, only the thickness of

To make a male mold (or plug or

and Other Hull Materials,

skin thickness

type. To make a male

thickness

hull as described
must be equal to
plus the ribband

hull, the deduction

plus the thickness

must be equal

of the mold planking

or

Countless boats have been built from molds where planking thickness was deducted
by simply drawing lines inside the sections by the amount of the planking thickness.
However, this method is only acceptable
when the planking is thin. Let me try to
simplify
planking

this. If a hole was drilled

was measured

through

the planking,

in the hole, the planking

and the thickness

wouid measure

correctly

of the

only q the

90

JO LDS. TEMFLA TES, .4ND THE l-3.4CKROhE

AEC

Figure 8-2.

CL

,P:-h

.-_

4-n
L

hole were at right angles (n,.-TmaI) to the surface o/the it&i. (See Figure 8-2.) By the
a truly accurate deduction when the hole
itselj lies in the same athwartships plane as the stations. Thus, in a shapely hull, the

same token, such a h,ole would only represent

deductions

would be fairly accurate

proximately

parallel

amidships,

to the hulls centerline,

toward the centerline as one progresses

become increasingly inaccurate.
IJnless the planking
deduct

planking

absolutely
diagonals

snore accurately.

but as the waterlines

waterlines

run

break away

ap-

sharply

would

To make the thickness deduction

even to the extent

almost

of adding

to those shown on the lines plan, but this chore is not necessary in

most cases. Rather than use this procedure,

parallel

view

to the ends of the hull, the deductions

it should be done on the diagonals,

in addition

pian

is thin, it is best to take a little more time and make an effort to

thickness

correct,

where the

to the waterlines

at each station layoff the planking thickness

in the p!an view of the lines, then pick up this thickness along

the station line and transfer it to the body plan, laying it off normal to the section.
Figure 8-3.) When this has been done at each waterline,

(See

take a batten and draw through

all the points to get tire inside of planking. Once you have done this for a few points the
work will go quite rapidly.
When all the sections have been redrawn to the inside of planking, the molds for a
round-bottomed

boat can be made.

Figure 8-4 shows typical mold construction

and

Figure 8-l shows how the shape of the section is transferred to the mold stock by pressing the lumber down against closely spaced tacks with their heads laid on the line to be
reproduced.

Turn

the wood over, use a batten

to connect

the marks made by the tack

heads, then work the board to the line. Do this for each station.
It is not practical to use boards wide enough to get out an entire half mold all in one
piece. Therefore,

the mold is made in asmany parts asnecessary,

and laidout in anycon-

venient manner to suit the lumber stock. Just remember that the mold must not be too
flimsy. Normally the mold should be extended a half foot or so above the sheerline,
but if it is planned to build the boat upside down-a
logical method for small
craft-the
molds should be extended to a straight baseline above the sheer that
represents

the building

is made parailel

floor.

Depending

to the waterline

on the size of the boat, the inverted

baseline

and at a height so the greater part of the hull may be

planked

from a normal standing position.

Lay the mold parts on the sections of the body plan while carefully

fastening

them

!vlOl. DS, 7~.~:clPI..~l7i-.~~:.i.

.-l.VI) -illif R.-lCKi~O.lE

yP,Aw.r

<TI.

c;F

Figure 8-3. 7his rtto~hod ojdPducting

shown in Figure 8- 1.

IT,.I
01 L&WcTFF
PLaNa.
TntCuiNtSs
Pmc*
UPo,CT.*.s
n-n.
02 -rPa.+.(~5L
l-0
9cJoy

P-IUICIHG

fLAti

(WC@)

A-4
NORM&L
LC*I

planking

MALI<

t-

LAY OFF
l-0 %a-

l?$T.RND
bI3o+lD

-I *

A-

CM-SIDE

I-

-7 CLhESS

=-r--i@

9I

01 AOOhlnL
LAccclRFZ

MOLD
5ucCR

thic knvss is ntow ncrurn~c~ than that

ORACRS
MOLOS

It

Od

li

SWttR, L.W.L.

4 c.L. Od MoLD 7

\I I \\

9lMPLlFl~D

rl

\
SECURELY

FATTEd

&Ails
HEIGHT

IF

ALL

ARR&<~Mt
A0Ovk

MOLD

T+*RTcTs-- PRRFRRAR~s
vJIl-bl5ceRNs
-

bhXCI+
KCfL

MOLD
-TO
CohlSRU

Figure 8-4. Tvt)icnl mold ronstrurtion.

lain their shape when set up.

Molds must bc wll~fastened

und braced to re-

92

MOLDS, TEMPLATES. AND THf BACKBONE

together

with screws and butt blocks.

mark it at the deck line and L.W.L.

rsefore the half mold is lifted from the plan,

fcr reference

while setting up and building.

Turn

the first half of the mold over so thar. the butt blocks are down and make a second half
to match

it. When the mold is aswmbled,

side. Connect

the butt blocks will then all be on the same

the two halves at the bottom with a block, which should be notched if reand fasten a crosepiece, called a spall, at or near the

quired by the keel construction,

deck line. Spalls on all molds should be level, and if they all are located
height above the waterline

at the same

or base, the molds will be easier to align when set up on the

keel or floor.

Stem and Rabbet

The stem assembly
struction

is drawn on the full-size lines, either

plan or, lacking dimensions,

In boatbuilding
the thickness

language

as dimensioned

on the con-

from widths scaled from the construction

the widths of the stem are the molded dimensions,

of the material

for the stem is the sided dimension.

Ideally,

plan.
whereas

a stem for a

small craft like a dinghy should be made from a natural hackmatack or oak crook as
they were some years ago. A template of the stem would be taken to the dealer in this
material

to select a crook with a shape similar

builders,

nobody seems to bother

to the stem, but except

for the island

with this any more.

Most often the stem is too large to get out of a natural crook, so an assembly of wood
will be made up as illustrated in Figure 8-5 or the stem assembly will be laminated. For
the amateur,

who does not usually count labor.

a lamination

is often the easiest way

out.
When an assembly of parts is used, templates
transferred

with tacks as explained

of the parts are made, the lines being

for the molds in Figure 8.1. Templates are usually

Besides
!/i r, or y8 thick or of plywood or hardboard.

made of easily worked softwood

representing
the shapes of the parts, the templates must also provide guidelines
rabbeting the stem assembly to receive the planking.
The profile
struction

of the rabbet

line may or may not be dimensioned

The width or half-breadth

siding of the stem and either

of the rabbet

retains

a constant

boat or swells in width toward amidships

It was mentioned before that countless
not deducting

the thickness of planking

the stem rabbet.

more precise

that consumes

the thickness)

half-breadth

and so it is with

how to lay out the rabbet by a

but little more time.

of the stem (the half siding or one-half

the thickness

of planking

lines to which the material

shown on the section through

Points

method,

has been drawn as well as the half siding of the face of the stem, and on

and bearding

half-breadth

the same as the

the length of the

and then narrows again toward the stern.

boats have been built from molds made by

I will discuss this first and then explain

method

each waterline

line is generally

width throughout

by the most accurate

Note in Figure S-5 that the half-breadth

8-5.

on the lines or con-

plan, and even though it is shown, it should be checked full size for accuracy

and fairness.

rabbet

for

has been drawn to get the back

must be cut. The nomenclature

the stem drawn on waterline

to plot these lines on the profile are projected

plan to the waterlines

in profile and connected

is

4A in the profile,

Figure

from the waterlines

in the

with a batten.

The lines

Figure 8-5.

for the rabbet and the outline of stem parts are all transferred

to the template

material

at the same time.

The templates

are laid out on the stem material and arranged so that there will be a
minimum of cross grain in the finished part. Cut and plane the parts to shape (if too
heavy for your equipment have a mill do this for you) and lay them out on the full-size
lines to check the alignment
line, all the waterlines,
put the stem together
pound between
Whether

the faying surfaces

(the surfaces

to make the bolt holes watertight

bedding generously

Mark the sheer-

long enough

that touch each other) of the joints.

and plugged,

you should take an extra

by using a grommet.

This is a ptece of

to go around the bolt a couple of times. Apply

to the wicking and wind it around the bolt just under the head just

the bolt is driven

centerline

position.

of the bolts; then bore the bolt holes and

with thick white lead, t hiokol, or sc rne other good bedding com-

cotton wicking caulking

all the way home.

After

assembly

of the stem, mark

the

of the boat on the stem and the width of the stem face on each side of the

centerline.
Referring

to the half-breadth

or thin wood for the rabbet

of the rabbet
material

in the assembled

or not the bolt heads are countersunk

precaution

before

of the joints

and the centerlines

at each waterline.

at the waterlines,

between

plan in the figure, make a tc.mplate of stiff cardboard

the templated

Use the temp!ates

and then complete

the rabbet

cuts on the waterlines.

The

to cut a short length

by working away the

rabbet

may be cut wrth

94

M0I.D.S.

TEMPI.,-I

7'E.S.

:I.VIj

TIIE

RrlCKR0.V~

i=C>-T

r;.:

Figure 8-6.
rc~nficienc~
fessionals
the time
perience
it more

if the full-six

drawing

IS accrlrc!ta and complete.

However,

even some pro-

leave the rabbet ,just a little shallow and complete

it when fitting ribbands
at
the boat is set up. In many cases this is because they have learned
from exthat

their

rabhet

is not as accurate

as it might

be. Here is how you can make

acctrate.

In the beginning
vals throughout

of Chapter
r!re length

7 it was stated

of the boat

that

to define

vertical

the shape

sections

are drawn

of the hull,

at intcr-

but it should

be

realized that sections can be drawn through the hull at any angle, not only at the verthe horizontal
planes of the waterlines,
or the
tical planes of the stations and buttocks,
often does this while drawing
the construction
plan to
diagonal
planes. The designer
get the true,
drawn

accurate

normal

sizes of parts

to the part

are the most

such as the stem

is full accuracy

out-of-normal

at the bow,

assured.
it certainly

assembly:
only when a section is
Since the waterlines
and buttocks
pays to draw

auxiliary

sections

at

right angles through

the strm of the boat in order to more accurately
cut the rabbet.
The less dubbing
that the amateur
must face after he sets up the boat, the better off
he will be.
For the same

reason

face,

so.

or nearly

bevels

should

be taken

off lines that are normal

to the hull sur-

Figure 8-6 has been prepared

to show how easy it is to draw sections through
the
stem. The sections should be spaced at intervals
close enough so that there is no question about
having enough
of the plotted
points
for the rabbet,
bearding
fines (see Figure 8-5) to ensure a fair line. To save time
tions should
than

be drawn

separately

right

as was done

on the lines profile,

for clarity

as in Section

in Section

A-A.

back rabbet,
and
and effort, the sec-

B-B of Figure

8-6, rather

MOLDS,

TEMPL 4TES, AND THE BACKBONE

95

W.L.n

L@&WE*IDICULA(ZS To
INTW~ECTIO~~

C.!m. 9,

DUAWJ -IiWJ

OF BuTrocK

4 PJAT=LINEC

C&SnP
@lr -j-HE C.L. OF THE.
5=3-lO~.
LAY OFF ON -rwz QERPEwIcuLALJ
-WE HALF
~%EAD*!:
3~ me
ku~-rERLlrJEr
t: WnocrCC
cZ$O5<-.
EFAMPLE:
BUTT. 1 AVOVE-

8-7. !G~lt~~~ 111 1 . 1~grid for dmwing

Figure

First

a centerline

enough
draw

buttocks
a fair

waterlines

place,

For

see Figure

face

of the stem,

on /he prqfi[~

long

enough

to cross

to give a number
of points so a batten can be set up to
the centerline
for Section
A-A intersects
two

Then

perpendiculars

intersections

of how these

to the

in p/arc

instance,

a huttork.

and buttock

lustration

normal

and waterlines

section.

and

waterline

is drawn

stern sections

and

perpendiculars

8-7.) Next

TO this centerline

at the joints
can

the half-breadths

be laid

in the stem
off when

at these points

are drawn
assembly.

the section

at the

(For an ilis drawn

of intersection

in

are picked

up as in the plan view and laid off on the perpendiculars

10 establish
the points for the
section to the outside of planking.
After the section line has been drawn, the thickness
of planking
is set off, and
bearding
line.
Instead
method
profile

of making
shown

templates

by Figure

as illustrated

this sets up the points

for the

8-5, make

by Figure

8-6.

them

rabbet

for the rabbet,

from

for the more

the

back

rabbet,

half-breadth

accurate

sections

and the

plan

in the

drawn

on the

96

MOLDS,

YEMPLATES,

AND

THE

BAChRONE

REVEL

AT

DE&
rT===+

4=-n

ITAMES AFT OF STAT-Id5

-

CFRAME?: FC+?DOF STATIO~JS

i-lAiF

ILAbJ

0READTH

AT CHINE

BE\;Ei

=F
0EiEL

AT

KEEL

-_
.i-u

BOTTOM

FRAME

FPAME

Figure 8-8.

4 (~~%ING AFT)

Stopwaters
Softwood

dowels

from leaking

called

into

stopwaters

are fitted

the hull along

the joints.

it is imperative

that

full effectiveness:

in joints

in the backbone

The location

they

be placed

to prevent

of stopwaters
wherever

the rabbet

joint in the backbone.

Any durable
softwood such as white pine or cedar
there are so few of them that they can be whittled out of scrap.

V-Bottomed
Temporary

molds

are

not

bottomed

hulls.

of the structure.

Figure

l-3 and

Instead,

necessary

the body

are beveled

(See A of Figure

for

plan

Typical

l-4 in Chapter

tom and side pieces

the frames.

fcr

crosses

will do, and

Frames

nent

part

water

is important

1, but

the

is used to make

v- and

Figure

of v-bottomed

frames

arc-bottomed

these sectional

so the planking
8-8 and

construction

that become
frames

views do not reveal

will bear
8-10.)

hull
against

In many

and

the entire

arc-

a perma-

are shown
that

thickness

cases the bevel

in

the botof

is not the

MOl.DS,

same

at the sheer

of boat

hulls.

the amount

of bevel.

approximately
bevel needed.
and

as it is at the chine.

The character,

be measured
plan

and

as indicated-

If the frames
the same,
from

have some

sections
frames

the

curve,

Bevels

for the notches

are run

chine

To determine

but this is the nature

etc., determines

bevel

bevels

with

chines,

chine

points

in the half-breadth
The bevels
above

from

the

buttocks

are fitted are taken

battens
for fairing

by planing

however

(and

this is very important

previously

discussed.

--...

-..

&-

by the method

shown

off
the

the frames.

in the larger hulls with a good number

of frames)
the bevels
much
like the deduction
for planking
normal
to the surface,

~-

are just

in the profile.

time saving
measured

This can be done

are

and keel respectively.

as described

and clamps
At that time,

are made

accuracy,

8-8. the bevels can

between the deck and chine are taken.

dnd those for the bottom
frames at

taken

is set up.

adjustments
more

and between

at major

are

the keel,

the boat

at deck and chine

plan,

the keel

in Figure

and keel in the profile.

at points

half-breadth
and

when

in and

bevels

at chine

the bevels

in which

later

like that shown

deck and chine

in the

between
or cut

work,

97

be beveled.

but those for the side frames

the waterlines

similarly

for more

BACKBONE

of the deck line and chine,

the side frame

line between

points

frames

must

with straight

those for the bottom

cut in a straight

makes

THE

B-B in Figure 8-8, where the deck line and chine are
it can be seen that there is practically
no
to the centerline,
as the deck and chine curve in toward the centerline,
forward

aft of B-B, the frames

boat

This

or curvature,

AND

At Section

parallel
f-fowever,

For a simple

TEMPLATES.

in Figure

to

should be
thickness

8-9. The square

.~

Id ,,irrd

Figure

8-9.

98

MOLDS.

TEMP1.A

.4 ND

TES.

T1i

'E

BACKBOh'E

\I j
I

ef11

-DE

/
-2%
L
RE\JEL
BOAED

Figure 8-9(a)

can be made
ten,
then

up by the builder

the bevels
marked

should

and applied

be marked

on the actual

right

frame

as shown

on the body

material

so that

proper bevel. The bevels should be taken along

mal as possible to all the frames crossed.

to measure
plan
it can

diagonals

the bevels.

in degrees
be sawn

Once got-

for reference
to shape

and

with the

laid out to be as close to nor-

Bevel Board
Instead

of using

yourself

a simple

3 I,$ rr wide
bevel

along

read

it off.

and

a protractor
bevel board
mark

to measure
as shown

off angles

from

the left edge of the bevel

a bevel

in Figure

each
8-9(a).

zero to about
board

until

time

you take

one off, make

Use a piece of plyood

30 degrees.

Slide

about

the adjustable

it lines up with one of the angles

and

as
When a bevel is marked
on a piece of stock t o be sawn, it must be designated
either under or standing,
marking
the piece UB or SB. This is most important,
and
after

you have

ruined

a few pieces,

you will understand

the principle.

MOLDS,

Lofting

hull lines with

dealt

defining

the aid of a computer

with enlarging

the shape

otherwise.
are

a male

hulls frames

by computer

pays off if your

sections

1oc::tion

complete

If lofting

tion

project

bevels

given

is used,

from

will be furnished,

The

Theres

mold

partitions

for round-bottomed

at uniform

dividing

intervals.

the cabin

Many of the larger

can supply

material,
shell

boats

are built

full-size

you

how the

An explana-

as many

bevels as you

too many
spacing

the

bevels

than

for v-bottomed

of joiner

bulkheads,

arc not located

those

in the same place

of welded

drawings
should

steel or aluminum

alloy framing,

For this type of construction

from

which

be ordered

to cut the frames

with the deduction

with a

the computer

to shape

from

for the thickness

flat

of the

plating.

Transom

and Transom

As will bc seen later,

Bevels

the station

the boat can be set up. The molds

ment

but

bulkhead
drawings
are desired,
these, too, can be supand once again you should ask for the edge bevels.

of the same marerial.

so the drawings

times

the location

is avoided,

drawings.

but better

etc.,

at any

to you. Therefore,

and the frame

accommodations,

as molds or frames. If full-size

plied by the computer
service,
skin or shell plating

hulls

Sometimes

plotter

you understand

to the section

compurer.

for

of the hull.

that

two or three

that

that

is where fairing

or unequally)

in the yard

Be certain

with probably

no stopping

the outside

will not be available

be applied

Here

equally

or

hulls molds
and

A computer-guided

either

of the lofting

people.

fiberglass,

frames

the boat.

the expense.
from

or frames

should

along
just

spacing

is usually

most

metal,

the

chapter,

of the set of lines

it be wood,

to build

justifies

the computer

by the computer

really need.
too few!

service

99

in the previous

to shape

the hull (spaced

with deductions

for the edges of the molds

hulls

BACKBONE

that for round-bottomed

on which

on which

through

by computer

order

bevels

THE

scale drawing

whether

it was explained

framework

are needed

can draw full-size

desired,

of the hull,

in this chapter

to make

v-bottomed

bevels

.4MD

was mentioned

to full size the designers

of the outside

Earlier

needed

must

TES.

by Computer

Fairing
which

TEMP1.A

of the transom

shape

molds,

the stem,

and the transom

and the stem have been

has been

illustrated.

are needed

explained

You also need

before

and the develop-

the bevels on the tran-

som edges. Remember

that the developed
shape of the transom
is to the outside of the
planking,
and depending
upon the type of construction,
it may or may not represent
the actual

size of the finished

transom.

The

simplest

method

is to let the side planking

overlap the transom

and to then cut it flush with the after side. In this case the plank
thickness is subtracted
from the edges of the transom.
The best practice,
however, is to
make

the transom

to the outside

of planking

and

rabbet

Both methods
are shown in Figure 8-10.
Figure 8-10A shows that the inside of the transom
at the top edge where the shape depends
upon
boat narrows
from amidships
to the transom.
v-bottomed

boat,

the edges

of the transom

must

the edge

is larger

thaii

the construction
Consequently,
be beveled

f-rr the planking.

the outside,

except

detnirr; because the

like the frames of a

to allow

the planks

to lie

100

MOLDS,

TEMPLATES,

AND

THE

BACKBONE

NC BE .E (ILcoeeECT:

RE .ELE3
-i%.ri70K

ETABBE?FD
fLAh.JSOM

A.

/X-T-

Figure i3-10.

flat. The bevels

waterlines

are taken

from

the full-size

in the half-breadth

plan

But once again

and

profile

drawing.

curate

it should

way to take the beve!s off, because

the hull by the method

shown

Small
doweled

are generally
glued. The

boat transoms
and waterproof

planks

can

marine
Larger

plywood,
transoms,

be properly

hull planking

lines as shown

in Figure

fastened

- those for the sides from the

those for the bottom

be remembered
it has not been

from the buttocks

in the

that this is not the most acdone normal

to the surface

of

8-9.

made
boards

of wide boards whose edges are splined or

should be sufficiently
thick so that the hull
can also be made of
to the edge. Such transoms

with cheek pieces around

the edges to take the plank fastenings.
like that shown in Figure 8-lOC, are made the same thickness as the

or thicker

and have a frame

share of the p!~k fastenings.

There
where a wood or metal knee connects
sake of appearance,

the seams

the seams

backed

are usually

or cheek

pieces

on the inside

edges to take a

is usually a vertical
member
on the centerline,
the transom
to the keel or horn timber.
For the

of transom

with battens.

planks
Wide

are not caulked.

transoms

If single

planked,

also have a series of vertical

FLAT
TeAd5OM
________
I___
L-

PM

B0l-K

5KlFF

~_--

i rtiee~s~~

EWTTOM
PLAN<:lNG 1

./-

FXluhJD &TTTOtvl !ZUKBOA~

OR SAlLlhlC
DlUGHb

TeA&.OM

TWO-PIECE
PARBETEP
PLAIJlC tit&

ARC

5-rTtM
-4

PLANK

lCEEL

SCM

BOTTOM

8
,

CErJTER0OAKb
Ti?UNK

LOGS

UT

Figure 8-l 1. Tyjical

stiffeners outboard
engine stringers.

of the centerline.

Most transoms

do not have enough

cold.

In transoms

that

wet rags or steamed

These
radius

RA00ET

small

keels.

are sometimes

spaced

to prevent

the planks

do not have a lot of radius,

so they will bend

boat

to the transom

the planks

to take the ends of

from

can be soaked

being

bent

with hot,

frame.

Keel and Deadwood

There

are quite

the preference

a number

of keel construction

of the architect,

and sometimes

The

types most likely

to be encountered

and

8-12.

to say.

Needless

for

methods,

varying

with the custom

with the type of boat,

of a particular

locality.

by the amateur
are illustrated
in Figures 8-l 1
only sound
timber
should go into the
longevity,

POWER
WOOD

BOAT
SHAFT

WITH
LOG

dMCI
%
r BeaLL
~cI%cP
L Fe*=- -ctf
r- ~. - ~.&z~&LL,,
._-pig=,.
-;_ +.
- --------&,
,
?
- 4OPC~~CLL
,)*AFT ,TCV

I lk
y*;-+
*g;::;

..qj

4
. .-~ -.-_
$ .~~~~.~~~~~_~~=lb~=f
-4 -_-_
--.--

wve.4

l-

BOAT

Lo
---\
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~.~
-...
._...
~-- ~ _. #t\-\
---A
I(*lec

PL

c.c- LAP

.--k-
__-L-.-y+-
Eau.C,T<ccl.

Figure 8-12. A.few qflhc

ccnti .~ailboats.

many

possible

backbone

structures.for

powerboats

MOLDS,

backbone

members.

members,

but other

White
wood

The flat-bottomed
building
used,

is the

usual

can be used

upside

down,

one on each

side instead

inner

stem,

as shown,

and

then

to avoid

the outer

for keel

in Figure

are notched

of a single

THE

by local

and

backbone

stems

When

then the bottom

Sometimes

The side planks

stem is fastened

other

for the keelson;

aft. Straight

103

is very common.

one on the centerline.

rabbeting.

BACKBONE

practice.

8-11A

on top of the planking.

keel, cut a slot for the skeg on the centerline

of two pieces,

material

shown

the forms

and the keel fitted

AND

as dictated

skiff construction

the boat

is cross planked

oak

TEMPLATES.

twin keelsons

Before

are

fastening

are frequently

the

made

up

are cut off flush with the

to the inner,

with sealant

between

the

two.
The rabbeted

keel in Figure

was done

for the stem

templates

and then

the planking.

The

the pieces together

should
water.

8- 11 B is typical

in Figure

8-5.

cut away between

the stations

to make

amateur

it easier

will find

over the molds

A few of the one-design

B-11C.

This

thr

after

sailboats

is all right,

to the keel.

frame

board

halves

butt

a continuous

them

composition

because

like that

be taken
and

be thick to make

There

shown

to attach

keel.

for

to exclude

(the one next

the floor

to the frames

slot in the kzcl. thr bed logs should

fair rabbet

the pieces

plank

As

from

the rabbet.

a rabbet,

the garboard

boats.

station

keel if he fastens

to form

between

at the centerline,

be well fastened

many

at each

the two-piece

first beveling

to the keel, care should

If the frames

must

to make

be cut

use a keel without

but

keel on each side) is not fastened

strongly

for a great

should

be thick white lead or other such

All backbone
joints are so treated.

Figure

construction

the rabbet

timbers

in

to the

the frames
connecting

In way of the ccnter-

for good fastening

through

rhe keel.

Powerboat
The

Keels

keel structure

shown

in Figure

8-12A

is typical

of many

modern

powerboats.

The

keel is usually the same thickness throughout

and is cut to shape from a template
made
from the full-size profile. A batten bent into place on top forms a back rabbet for the
planking.

The

timber

rabbet

aft is rabbctcd.

tightness

where

continued

aft and

Although

fittrd

not scen

of mention.

amateur

to make

worked
stopwaters
through
piece

do, and
the bolts

mercially

a jig must
made

the needed

for splines

with

bolts

function

length

packing

bottom

so long

in the

and

of sufficient
by welding

may

length.

shaft

the shaft

holes

of rod.

for water-

log in Figure
this

8-12B

is easier

is

for the

hole in each half can be

table

saw or with

pine.

are

not cut.

The chances

Therefore,

in a piece

horn

a plow

leaks in the same manner

be troublesome

the hole.

is installed

section:

such as white

as the bolt

B-11B. The

of the rudder.

be cut on a small

as well as when

to align

gland

the bottom

because

of softwood

just

in Figure

of the keel may be cut away or

the wooden

piece,
can

boat

is to swell and prevent

an auger

be devised

auger

The

log is shown

a log in a single

with

log with

as formerly,

they are made

and

log is bored

because

as much

of the splines

the splines

against

shaft

with a skeg to support

grooves

lhe purpose

as for the little

leaves the hull.

A two-piece
than

out and

plane.

A bronze

the shaft

worthy

add

is cut the same

l.ight.
The

that

It is all right
The

shaft

to cut

splines

swell

hole in a one-

for the inexperienced,

are against

have someone

finding

a com-

cut the shank

It is very important

that

and

the shaft

104

MOLDS,

TEMPLJTES,

hole be lined
around

with

the hole.

and stuffing

Fin-Keel

AND

a light

THE

copper

BACKBONE

tube

or lead

The ends of the tube

pipe

are flanged

to exclude

under

water

from

the wood

the bases of the stern

bearing

box.

Sailboats

Fin-keel

sailboats

up to about

8-12C.

Indeed

even

larger

enough

to need

steaming

after

Attention

be given

ballast

had

the keel being

shown

Probably

bent

in Figure

with keels thick

the easiest way to build

down

over the molds

and the fin

over.

to the sequence

keel bolts usually

of the bolting

extend

keel, and floors,

although

sometimes

carefully

as called

for by the lines,

shaped

keels like that

this type of construction,

the keel to shape.

down,

the hull is turned

must

the fin. The

have

to bend

boat of this type is upside

keel added

30 feet may have bent

boats

from

in order

the casting

they terminate

between

and although

to properly

through
frames.

it requires

fasten

the deadwood,
The deadwood

is

hard work by hand,

a lot of effort should be put into the deadwood

to make it smooth and fair, not only for
the sake of appearance
but also to offer a minimum
of resistance
as the boat moves
through

the water.

and

the rounded

can

be painted

paint

forward

Large Sailboat
backbone

in Figure

is sheathed

8-12D

sailboats

is a thick

plank

throughout

the length.

the heights

of the

It is rabbeted

keel stock.
shape
aligns
The

along

the full-size

with

from

it is impossible
of marine

sheet

the outline
draw

the one on top,

of the bottom
before.

keel sailboats
end

for the planking

brought

to

growth,
around

on

but

as shown

is drawn

or combination

in on the full-size

and

similarly

along

up from

After

on the underside

at each section

is then

changing
ternplated

then

spacing

sec-

A centerline
is picked

up
than

and the

and laid off on the

the keel is sawn

of the keel, making

lay off the half-breadths

will give the constantly

profile;

with the base),

the sections

a batten.

The ver-

the keel is greater

the keel is at an angle

of the keel with

a centerline

spacing

in width

to the corresponding

of the keel at the stations.

(the station

because

varying

in the section.

to be used for the keel, the station

profile

keel

The keel in such boats

to end,

it crosses are transferred

of the top of the keel are picked

Draw

sides of the keel. The rabbet

mentioned

edge of the rudder

side,

of 20 feet on the waterline.

the half-widths

the baseline

of the top edge,

outline

of most

of the keel in the hull structure

on the piece of lumber

half-breadths

copper

stock

with tacks.

thickness

of the keel at the stations

and laid off from

the spacing

to each

accumulation

with light

is typical

upwards
same

tions in the body plan to obtain

is drawn

the forward

over

To prevent

for it to be fastened

out to take the rudder

Keels

and centerboard

tical position

While

it hard

edge of the sternpost.

enough

is gouged

of the rudder.
swinging

side of the sternpost

the sides just

The

edge

by alternately

the concave

the after

The aft edge of the sternpost

to the
sure it

of the keel bottom.

bevel to which
as a guide

to cut the

for cutting,

as

MOLDS,

TEMPLATES,

AND THE BACKBONE

105

Gripe and Horn Timber

The gripe

is the piece

that

the keel or sternpost

gripe

and

tion

in some

timber

are very similar

horn

timber

is taken

the various

backbone

work is made

Backbone
After

the keel to the stem,

horn

horizontal
fasten

connects

to the transom

clear

from

all the backbone

that

are inexpensive
quid should
Through-bolts

to each

by construction

members

rabbet

Much

timber

connects

sailboats.

Both

the

for the comparatively

in the body

other.

sections

are shaped,

and well worth

plan.

Knees

are used to

of the backbone

on the architects

on the construction
so the assembly

construc-

plans.

plan

be driven

are not made

C) that

together

no crevices

Under

of cotton

Very often

wicking

annoying.

are fitted

is stringy

the familiar

after

the parts

white

it is

The li-

for

All parts

in the joints
possibly

are finally

in balls

wicking.

later.

it is advisable

would

that

floor timbers

until
in and

bolts

the bolts

available

lamp

be studied

composition

or to collect

and drift
before

cotton

have been

qualities.

they pass through

leaks that otherwise

woven

preparations

must

in the structure

lead or other

in paint

will prevent

Wicking

does not resemble

because

fitted

of through

soaked

together,

It will be seen as you go along

to seep through

the washers

this treatment

and

have thick

and the fastenings

properly.

at this time

are left for water

rot the timbers.

few turns

must

them
These

for their rot preventive

for the boat,

(Figures

bolted

to fastening

bolt holes before the fastenings

are driven.
at length in Chapter
6, are made and fitted

will go together

some of the bolts cannot

8-12A,

but prior

the investment

also be poured
down the
and drift bolts, described

as shown

least

The

and

they be given two coats of a wood preservative.

sequence

that

to a stem.
the sections

members

a;rd the horn

of power

Bolting

recommended

being

types

start

driven

at marine

to

to wind

home.

be troublesome

The stopwaters

so

or at

suppliers

mentioned

and
earlier

bolted.

Scarphs
It is not always

possible

to obtain

bilge

clamps,

and

stringers,

pieces

shelves.

of wood long enough

Fortunately,

for the keel, deadwood,

sufficient

lengths

may be found

for

keels more often than for theother parts, even though an extensive search is required.
The backbone
requires
enough
work of the builder
without
his having to splice the
keel,

particularly

long

members

Nowaday:<
glued,
Bolts

strain.

are

type shown

pieced

these joints

the joint

when

8-13 illustrates

that

all have

The joint

for stringers

and

nibs

shown
clamps.

out

in Figure

are often

be made

up with

thickness
three

8-12D.

by means

in wood

should

are staggered

Figure
noted

the

to prevent

of through-bolted
the usual

one part

hooked

scarph.

be avoided,

joints

called

for good

thick

white

lead

the

scarphs.

measure.

If not

or heavy

paint.

permits.

of scarphs

commonly

from

in A is the very common

The

it cannot

waterproof-glued

of lumber

types

When

slipping
plain

scarph

B, is sometimes

in use,

and

by the other
that

it should
when

is extensively

employed

be

under
used

in backbone

106

/iI

(ILDS,

TEM

PLrl

TES.

4 ND

I-II/i

HACKLWNl:

FEATHER

EDGE

ROLTS STAGGEPED

KnEd

TH ICtiNE5S

A. PLA\h)

SCARPH

B.

H03ti

SCARPH

KEY

SCARPH

c.

Figure

8-13.

PEiZMT5

~~OUIUIOII
scarphs

rnCnl hers suck

JOT ,jtuGu,y lorlg

us ktds,

r.lnnlj!~s, clrld striuprs.

members.
Just
simply a plain

as effective,
and easier to make, is the key scarph
scarph mortised
to take a tightly fitted rectangular

durable

like white

made

wood

of two wedges

oak or black

driven

sides of the timbers.

from

both

Such wedges

locust.

In large

timbers

sides at the same

shown in C. This is
key, preferably
of
the key is sometimes

time and cut off flush with the

are made

with a taper

of about

fastenings

are carefully

planned

one-half

inch

to the

foot.
The

scarphed

drawings
experienced
keel,

and

by the architect.

the timber,

scarphs

joints

while

most

A rough

the keys and nibs

builder

the designer

their

should

are made

not be able

or a competent

suitable

rule for the scarph

for use with

length

up to one-fourth

to locate

boatbuilder
the available

a piece
should

and

is six times

shown

the depth

of the depth.

of wood large enough

be consulted

material.

on the
of

If the infor the

for the layout

of

01.13.s.

TE.21

PI..*1

TES,

A ND 1.1IE R.~lI:KHo:vE

107

Tenons
The

mortise-and-tenon

ing grain

the keel in Figure

blind,

joint

perpendicular

is sometimes

to each other.

S-12D

are typical.

that is, only part

way across

parts

are fitted

and

put together

together.
with

Whatever
white

called
The

When

to lock adjoining

between

the vertical

the wood is not too thin,

the pieces,
the case.

upon

joints

and therefore

the joint

lead on the mating

must

parts.

members

hav-

sternposts

and

the tenon

it is not visible
be made

is made
when

the

as snug as possible

Chapter

SETTING UP

With

the

backbone

and

molds

made,

the

builder

is ready

preparatory
to framing
the hull. Just as much care and accuracy
work of setting up as went into the mold loft work and construction
Continued

attrntion

later.

The

method

of setting

hull,

but

in general,

most

much

to detail

at this stage of the game

up depends

small

craft

upon

up

upside

boat

in time saved

and construction

down,

the

should go into the

of the backbone.

will pay dividends

the size, type.

are best built

to set

a method

of the
that has

merit.

Upside Down or Right Side Up?

Although

the majority

are constructrd
boat

of boats,

excluding

right side up, it would

like a flat.bottomcd

skiff when

small

stock

be impractical

boats produced

on a mass basis,

to copy this routine

it is so easy to fasten

the bottom

in building

planks

with the

hull

inverted.
By the same reasoning,
flat-sectioned
boats like v- and arc-bottomed
boats
hulls are also set up and built upside down. The same is true of small lapstrake
that are planked over molds. In this case, the fitting of the lapped plank scams is very
hulls, on which the
much simplified
with the hull upside down. Smail. strip-planked
planking
is started at the keel and worked toward the sheer, are best built right side
up, because it is much easier to nail downhand.
and if it has been decided to bend the
frames of a round-bottomed
boat on the inside of the ribbands
as mentioned
under
Molds in Chapter
8, the boat should be built right side up in order to readily bend the
frames.
Any other method
will be too heavy or bulky
upright.

would be impractical.
In other instances
the finished hull
for the amateur
to turn over and should therefore
be built

SETTING

Building

Under Cover

Considering

that

during

precious

your

cover

weather

if possible.

provides

can be a drawback

spare

also permits

means

of overhead

A good solid floor

is ideal

an. outdoor

construction

have

from

builders

found

somewhat

more

Building

Upside Down

When

building

difficult

upside

down,

on top of it accordingly.
in Figure

bracing

of molds

be made

and

can

bring

task

under

well,

or rainy
under

lights

backbone

and

to the roof

smooth.

On the other

as many

of bracing

work to a halt

be established

windy
be built

evenings

to serve
the

and

should

or not it is level and

although

a grid must

amateur

the

frame

for weeks at a time.

and the framework

positioned

following

floor, the station spacing laid off along the centerline.

and the station lines squared
from the centerline.
As previously
described,
the molds for upside down building
extended

beyond

the boat

the sheer

and located

convenient

working

to ~II a~ bitrary

inverted

above

the highest

point

height.

The molds

forward

baseline

parailel

of amidships

are set on the wrong

their

proper

position

Use a plumb
floor,

sides of the station

due to the shape

line to align

the centerline

and also rse the plumb

and-aft

direction.

against

fore-and-aft

8 that

it would

molds:

Fasten

movement.

it is now that

to the floor

if the mold

cross spalls

this fact is realized.

the ends of the molds

It must

be emphasized

and molds properly.

ribbands
are fitted,
will

not

be the

centerline

to bring
that

where

them

the utmost

part
and

were fitted

9-2.

on the

of a mold in a forebrace

them

securely

out in Chapter

at the same

level on all

floor is not perfectly

shims must be fitted

should

out of

Figure

centerline

that it was pointed

to the proper
care

will be forced

in the sketch,

the upper

If the building

of
for

side of the station

are applied.
If the

with the boat

with blocks

You will remember

line of the spalls can be used to determine

and

of a mold

calculated

are set up on the aft side

the ribbands
as shown

line or a level to align

the molds

be helpful

lines,

of the hull,

off
are

to the baseline

of the sheer by an amount

of the station
lines, and those aft of amidships
on the forward
lines. The reason for this system will be obvious when the ribbands
molds

is

is a description
of how the 12.foot skiff shown
A centerline
is first drawn in on the
be set up in such a manner.

9-1 might

The

hull

to be done

site can
weather

be cold

your

work

whether

experience,

and

if it should

for boatbuilding,

time

A building

convenient

rafters.
hand

109

LIP

between

level, the
the floor

height.
be taken

to align

the backbone

An extra hour or two spent on this job will be appreciated

when
frames are bent, and planking
is shaped and fastened.
The boat

same

on

and baseline,

both

waterlines

sides

if the

setting

and station

up is not

done

lines are all straight

accurately.
lines,

The

and as such,

enable
the builder
to erect the backbone
and molds with the use of vertical
and
horizontal
lines just as the designer laid out his lines plan and construction
drawings.
Shores
structure

and

braces

of sufficient

in any direction.

The

number
braces

must
may

be fitted

to prevent

be of low-quality

lumber

movement

of the

of any kind.

To continue
setting up, drop the keel, with stem, transom,
and knee attached,
into
position
over the molds and screw the assembly
to blocks on each mold. Secure the

-7

.III

110

SETTING

UP

Figure 9-1. The typical

shown

before

setup,for
building a small
the installation
q/the
ribbands.

head of the stem to the building

som after

making

floor with blocks

sure it is raked

to the correct

hull upside

and

square

everything
has been done accurately,
the station lines marked
cide with the molds. If not, the frame is not properly
alignzd
One test of fairness
bet, around
the sheer.
The

is to bend

the molds.
If not,

ribbands

The

a long
batten

test and adjust

should

batten,
should

until

not be installed

with its forward

test fair when

the batten
until

Brace the tran-

to hold it in position.
angle

touches

the molds

down,

across

the boat.

If

on the n.eel should coinand must be corrected.

end laid in the stem rab-

tried

anywhere

from

all the molds without

have been

aligned

keel to
forcing.

to your com-

plete satisfaction.

Building
When

Outdoors

building

probably
substantial

boats

the most
timbers

outdoors,

satisfactory
longer

both sides of the centerline

there

are many

for upside

than

the boat.

and made

arrangements

down

building

These

should

that

are workable,

but

is to use as a base a pair of

be secured

level. The cross spalls

to the ground

on the molds

on

are fastened

to the parallr1 timbers.

Crosspieces
are fastened between
the timbers to take the stem
head and the transom braces. For building
right side up outdoors,
timbers are placed
on the ground

athwartships

at stations

::F!?Ei-

Figure 9-2.

and staked

solidly

against

M~LW~ej LyM

LINE5-

movement.

Keel sup-

SETTING

<.;,

UP

111

F em

2
c,-Trce \yb/
:h54JC~Oh

&EL

;, ,

Figure 9-3.
ports

are built

up with

mold

laterally.

(SW Figure

Building

to the proper

height,

and shores

are used to brace

the

9-3.)

Right Side Up

In the same

manner

lines are drawn

those

blocks

as described

for boats

for motorboats,

that
are

for building

are to be built

set on posts

upside
right

erected

down,

a centerline

side up. Relatively

at each

station.

and station

narrow
The

keels, like

posts must

bc

securely nailed IO the floor and braced against movement,

as shown in Figures 9-3 and
9-4. The heights of the posts arc- carefully
measured
from the full-size profile and

Figure 9-4. Cow WO?Ijbrms

of ktd

posls

112

SETTING

UP

Figure g-5. The backbone q/a Rhodcs.designed

ketch. Note the husky blocks
under the deadwood,
the shores to prevent side movement
of the backbone,
and the transonl bracing to overhead.

checked

with the keel template.

turnbuckles
Such

set up between

fastening

prevents

Quite

eye bolts

the

hull

forced into any place with shores

upward
and tilt it to one side.
built

on their

from

being

construction,

flat keels,

keels are held down on such posts by

with

floor

near

each end of the keel.

raised off the posts when

as this action tends to both

and wedges,

Posts are also used in sailboat

are often

frequently,

in the keel and

but

the ballast

only

to shore

keel casting

planking
is
lift the hull

the stems.

Sailboats

and deadwood

added

after the hull is planked up. Or the complete

backbone
may be finished before setting
up, as in the auxiliary
in Figure 9-5, which shows husky keel blocks being used to preSuch keel blocks must be large enough
to take subvent shifting
of the structure.
stantial

fastenings

to the floor

and

to take

the considerable

weight

of a boat

of this

type.
Ribbands
After

the backbone

the ribbands
mentioned

and

are applied
under

Molds

all molds
to hold

have

been

the parts

in Chapter

set up accurately

rigidly

8, where

and properly

in position.

Ribbands

it was pointed

out that

braced,

were briefly
they

are long

3,
/

,?,

,~

iP

SE?IING

UP

113

Figure 9-6. The tvcur,from the stern qu.arter qf a double-ended

auxiliary after.frantes
have been bent inside the ribbarldb. Note the excellent bracing qf molds and sternpost.
The a~~~emnre
of the ribbauds i.r pleasing as well as practical.
aud the third and
fourth ri0tmnd.v nbozw the keel are correctly spliced.
(Rosenfeld)

strips of wood bent

around

the frames

between

made
not

to shape

perfectly
cluttered

frames

clear

the molds

in order

the molds.

The function

by the photograph,

up with

scaffolding.

to the ribbands,

to provide

Figure
they

of molds

9-6. which

As considerable

it is best that

a form

pressure

be of moderately

against

which

and ribbands

to bend

should

be

is a rare treat

because

it is

is needed

to clamp

the

hard

and strong

wood,

such as fir or yellow

size of the ribbands.

pine. Boats vary to such an extent that there

They must be stiff to retain the hull shape

is no general rule for

when the frames are

bent

but

and hold in place

against

them,

that they force the molds

of the hull, the ribbands
generally

bent

not so heavy

that

they are hard

to bend

or

out of alignment.
As a safeguard
against distorting
the shape
are applied
alternately
port and starboard.
Ribbands
are

on the flat from stock

like 1% n x 1% , and

spaced

about

10 rr apart,

or

Figure 9-7. Above: ?irv mm ut right arc fitting riblmndJ prior tojiwmirl.g (1 raciq
O?IIO/I of Ihc
.sloop, Note n;i>ld brarcjs to thcJ mftcsrs ofthc buildi?zg nlld the strongbd
(Roscw/dd).
Below. Figure 9-8. Thh
nlold cross s/~uIls on t bra cent c~rliw q f the hr.
molds aw stackrd h
nlold i.s /wing sat up cind rclwfilllvchrckcd
,fk itlig nl(rlt. 0th
thr backgrou~ld.

,,Jw,~<

/,

II

II

SETTING

Figure 9-9. A v-bottomed

hull completeiy
set up with snwn~fram~
and ready for double-dia~gonul
planking.
(Courtesy of Hz&ins
Yacht
Corp.)
-

lj

116

SETTING

UP

1% x 2 spaced
molds

before

The

about

getting

differences

9-6 and

in ribband

9-7. Figure

has already

been

sizes between

Figure

sizes for the boats

have relatively

light frames.

should

ribbands

fastening

various

hull

in the two pictures

The ribbands

be located

should

where

and close spacing

the middle

first and,

mold with screws having

be removed

be tried

around

the

types can be seen in Figures

heavy

cruising

for a racing
indicates

sloop.

auxiliary

that the racing

be in single

lengths

that

A comparison
sloop will

if possible,

other-

be spliced as shown in Figures 9-3 and 9-6. This type of splice tends to
flat spots in the ribbands,
but as a further
precaution
against hard

the splices

Husky

definitely

for a moderately

9-7 shows the setup

of the ribband

spots,

should

for all the ribbands.

9-6 shows the hull

framed;

wise they should

eliminate
unfair

A sample

a foot apart.
out the stock

easily

working

washers

as the planking

bends

in the ribbands

will contribute

under

toward

toward

the ends,

their heads.

securing

Put them on by

the ribbands

Screws will permit

to each

the ribbands

to

top ribbands
should go on first. fitted
parallel
to the sheer and a few inches above it. The rest of them should be run in fair
lines similar to strakes of planking
and as illustrated
in Figure 9-6. The ribbands
are
spaced

closer

frames

will be fairly

where

the frames

is fitted.

are easiest.

a fair boat.

The

will be bent

to the sharpest

curves

than

where

the

flat.

Careful mold loft work and setting up will make running

ribbands
an easy job and
will eliminate
the task of trimming
and shimming
molds to get the ribbands
co touch
all molds
bands,

and

on the inside
Running
dition

still remain

fair.

it will pay to check

of the ribbands

the ribbands
usually

the shape

V-Bottomed
It should

If considerable

the sections

to see if it touches

is the last job before

is the cause

trouble

by bending

of excited

all of them

framing

anticipation

is encountered

a batten

fairing

into position
while bent

is started,

the rib-

like a frame

in a fair curve.

and the hull in this con-

on the part

of the builder,

for now

of the hull may be appreciated.

Hulls
be understood

without

mention

that

hulls

other

Than the round-bottomed

type must be set up, aligned,

and made rigid with the same care. There is no point in
doing an accurate
job of laying down and mold making
unless the setting up and the
following

work

follow the same

standard.

Chapter

10

FRAMING

There

are

two

basic

systems

for

framing

hull,

Transverse
framing
is the most common
and being
have become known as ribs. Transverse
frames
are either
pieces

bent

from

one piece,

as in Figures

bent on top of each other,

from

boards

usually

and made

have

up of two layers

the bent

non-existent,

sawn from

frames,

as islands

ble sawn according

to both

10-l.)

for v-bottomed

Sawn

frames

and l-4. Some designers

their v-bottomed
hulls.
For the longitudinal
the

hull,

but

longitudinals
quite

are

craft

likely to be built

undertaking
certain

before

V-Bottom
The

a craft

lofting

you refer

in wood,

is limited

starting

that

kinds

bent
of more

he is aware

of crooks.

of sawn

transverse

is

(See Figure
frames

for

Fore-and-aft

This system

for metal
suitable

framing,

l-3

are used to shape

system.

and sawn v-bottom

complex

hulls

frames

in Figures

and bent

frames

strength.

but is well suited

of what

to moderate
for bent

are shown

in the transverse

frames

sawn

are sawn from crooks or douhulls

framing

such frames
wooden hulls

or double

Small

material

to the two types of framing

by the amateurwith other

than

up the necessary

for construction

construction.
In this book discussion

in general,

apart

longitudinal.

from two or more

of wood,

and the supply

arc-bottomed

use a combination

system

farther

are used to build

complicated

and

and

laminated

joints.

where

the frames

the size of the boat

framing

l-5,
crooks

in places

in the Bahamas,

and builders

spaced

l-4 and
natural

with staggered

although

such

transverse

oriented
athwartships.
for round-bottomed

can get

boats of welded
for the size of
frames.

the builder

Before

should

be

is involved.

Frames
and construction
to Figures

l-3

and

of frames
l-4 and

for a v-bottomed
the explanation

boat

should

in Chapter

be understood
8. The

frames

if
are
117

118

FRAMING
SAWN FPAME

-(A&XT 50%
REtiT

CEAdlEbZ THAti
Fb?AME)

Figure 10-l. Sawn and double-sawer

round-bottomed
are not easy. fir the amateur
lo construct.
made
bear

from

the full-size

properly.

The

sections

process

and must

of picking

be beveled

up bevels

frames

on the edges so the planking

is explained

in preceding

will

chapters.

Bent Frames
The

bending

peace

of frames

of mind

dispel

this fear.

small

boat

for a round-bottomed

as he contemplates
For this reason,

having

light

boat

seems

the construction
it is recommended

frames

in order

to gain

to disturb

of such
that

a hull,

the novice

experience

the amateurs

but a trial
start

should

with a fairly

and overcome

the mental

block that is the principal

obstacle
to frame bending.
We all know that any piece of
dry wood may be picked from the lumber
pile and sprung to a curve of large radius,
but for bending
the tight curves found in frames, the wood must be both wet and hot.
The material
most commonly
used for bent frames in the United States is white oak,
because

of its durability

abroad.

Although

as low as 12 percent
that

the amateur

heats

rapidly,

quired

and

strength,

responsible
is suitable
needs

only

elm

wood,
heat

is used

have proven

for bending

use unseasoned
and

while

agencies

that

if handled

because

to bend

extensively
properly,

it is usually

rather

than

in Canada

oak with a moisture

and

content

it is recommended

free from surface

the addition

checks,

of moisture

re-

by dry wood.

The

frame

achieved

stock

should

by splitting

be as straight-grained

a plank

with the grain

as possible

and then

sawing

and

this is sometimes

out the frames

parallel

to

the split edges. The stock should be about a foot or so longer than the finished length
of the frame.
It is best to bend the framing
stock on the flat of the grain (Figures 6-3
and

lo-2),

for not only will it bend

when

plank

boats

call for a flat frame

standpoint
when

turned

are driven

of theory,
to bend

the frame,

on its other

edge

crossways

this way but

it is then

is relatively

strength
great.

if it does not readily

Speciftcations

on the flat.

is to make

aft and in practice

bend

However,

to split
for some
from

the

member
and thus does its job best
If this were carried too far it would

so a good compromise
as it is fore and

the woods tendency

minimized.

as 1 R x 1% rr bent

is a transverse

dimension

it is just as strong

easier

through

size such

a frame

its athwartships

be impossible
Then

fastenings

in the direction

the frame

square.

it may be quickly
first attempted.

, 4)

119

FRAMING

RIGHT

WRONG

Figure

10-2. Frames

should

be bent

on the J2at o/ the

grain.

Steaming

Arrangements

You may have seen the steam box at a local boatyard

in action. However, the source of
steam does not have to be elaborate
when only one boat is to be built. It may be
generated
rigged

in an old hot water

boiler

so a wood fire may be built

of water

must

the water

be ample

from

under

for the period

a house,

a large

it and the steam

of time

kettle,

or any similar

piped

you plan

device

to the box. The supply

to work.

Watch

this point,

for

goes fast.

The steam
necessary,

box is wooden.

and

possible

that

large

made

enough

the garboard

as steam

for a half
and

tight as possible

dozen

frames

one or two other

and

planks

by caulking

with cotton

some

to spare.

room

will need

steaming

if

It is

to bend

them in place, so make the box large enough

for this job. There must be a door at one
end, opposite to the end with the steam supply pipe, and the cracks are packed with
rags to prevent
steam from leaking out. Needless to say, the box should be located
close to the boat,

because

bending

calls

for fast work

before

the frames

become

too

cool. Handle the frames with cot ton work gloves. A rough rule for steaming is one hour
A few trials will have to be made to get the hang of it.
per inch of frame thickness.
Light
length
end.

frames

are

sometimes

of pipe set at an angle

This scheme

unduly

drying

and the upper

steaming

Frames

well because,

the frames.

Strings

supple

in boiling

are shown

water

by placing

with a fire built

with water

should

end of the pipe should

arrangements

improvised

Bending

works

made

with the ground,

in the pipe,

under
there

be tied to the frames

be stuffed
in Figure

is little

in a

danger

for pulling

with rags to retain

10-3. Others

them

the pipes lower

them

the steam.

of
out,

Typical

on the same order

may

be

by the builder.

the Frames
may either

and then fitted

be bent

to shape

in the boat

to the boat cold. The former

frames

for your

boat

should

be followed.

are relatively
Guided

heavy

by the frame

agains:

the ribbands

is by far the easier

or the hull is extremely

layout

or bent

method,

on the construction

on forms

and unless

shapely,
plan,

the

this system
first mark

the frame positions on all the ribbands

and at the keel, marking
both edges with a thin
batten the same width as a frame and making sure the marks are made at right angles

120

FRAMING

KEEP WATER

. .j ,:

,.,:... ,: .,....

Figure 10-3. Steaming

to the centerline.

Start

framing

allows your experience

sharp bends are likely
The

actual

Then

start

procedure

as possible

the bending

bend

to lie flat
more

the ribbands.

against

against

than

inboard

it then

Take

like that

with hands

clamp

a frame

in Figure

it at the topmost

the ends

as you progres-

inboard,

and forced

the frame

into position

may be employed

can be clamped

to aid in

to the ribbands

give it a downward

moved
third

learn

from
tends

that

the bending

the steam

box.

the box. When

must

If possible,
the boat

be done quickly
two men should

is designed

the
will

against

1s you

wallop

on the

head to make sure that it touches all the ribbands,

and then temporarily
toenail
the ribbands
so that your clamps will be ready for further duty on the next frame.
will soon

box

it in place.

or feet, all the while twisting

iO-4A

ribband,

where

out of the steam

of the frame

the head

can be flattened

shown

toward

to fit the keel and nail

By pulling

should it be troublesome.
are available,
the frame

are likely to be easy. This

progresses

on the head

the ribbands

and

A gadget

it, otherwise

the bends

goes as follows.

the ribbands.

enough,

twisting in the bevel

If plenty of hands
bend

where

cut the heel of the frame

by pulling

sively force the frame

frame

arrangements.

to accumulate
as the work
to be encountered.

bending

and as rapidly

amidships

-.

it to
You

once the frame has been rework on the bending

while a

with frames

in one piece from sheer to

sheer, there must absolutely

be two men bending,
one on a side, each working from
the keel toward the sheer, in order that the frame can be completely
bent before it cools.
In many
in full-bowed
sketch

all the frames

hulls

D of Figure

in a short
angles

boats

length.

and those

S-12 are often

Because

to the centerline

against

the planking

frames

and

may be bent
along

are shown

the horn

troublesome

of this,

in Figure

timber

bow and

forward

lo-4B.

above.

However,

aft of the waterline

due to the necessity

it is permissible

in the extreme
so they slope

as described

from

The same

to depart
to allow
is true

of twisting
from

the frames

keel to sheer.

the frames
in hulls

These

of stern

bending

like

in a bevel
at right

to lie naturally
are called

frames

cant

in a double-

ender .

Cold-Fitted

Frames

Framing
the counter
stern,
done very carefully
if bumps

as the type of stern in Figure

and hollows are to be avoided.

8-12D is called, should be

In the interest of fair lines,

121

FRAMING

/-

CANT FfZAMES

TWhSTlhki

BE\/EL

Figure 10-4.

the frames
later,

for such sterns

or oversized

straightened
inner
frames
The

frame

to the proper

edge is finally

stringers

dre either

excess

to correspond

to be installed

in cross-section

curvature

over a mold outside

of the boat,

first

bent

to that

later

on the outside

will fit properly.

to the double-sawn
into

the frame

frame

These

of the frame
cold-fitted,

illustrated

is accomplished

If the use of cold-fitted

to Figure

lo-5A

quired

for the forms,

frames

cannot

be avoided,

over which to bend

bend

the frames.

a piece of soft iron

you must

by padding

make

so that
beveled

in Figure

bands with short lengths of wood in way of the frame location.

Curvature
out of a frame after it has cooled and set, but none may be added.
similar

as described

stock is overbent
on the ribbands.
after which it is removed,
the ribbands.
The
curve, and then beveled to lie against

beveled

and clamps
are similar

bent

10-l.

the rib-

can be taken

one or two forms

To get an idea of the curves

rod or lead wire against

re-

the ribbands

and use it as a guide to build a form. The frames must always be bent to more curve
than necessary,
and the form can be padded
to vary the shape. When ready to bend,
the end of the frame is slipped under the pipe shown in the figure and wedged; then
Leave the frames on the form at least overthe bending
is done with a steady pressure.
night

so they will cool and

set properly

and

not lose too much

shape

when

removed.

122

FRAMING

OWNG
USE OF 5TEEL
S-t-HAP
IGHT EIJOUGH
To bEUD
EA. ILY)
l=b?ELk.l-f
SPLlTTlhlG
OF
FVA,ME
Ul- Cd
FORM
SUCH
AS ABOVE

0.
Figure
When

I& FORQ CO wO&

RlbETED
TO STICAFI

10-5.
thrre

is too much

CUIW,

thr frames can be straightened

with a device like
of the shop building.
Reverse curves can be made
at a time, allowing
the first bend to set weil, and
then nailing braces across the curve to hold the shape while the reverse is being bent.
Due to tensile stress, the outer fibers of a frame will tend to split when the curve is

Figure lo-6 on a bench

on thr form by bending

sharp,
frame

or a corner
one curve

found long ago that

but someone
is a very successful
way to combat

10 5~ is typical

of the simple

is also present
curves, a strap

when bending
similar to that

CaSes the strap

need

such as around

the turn

scheme

a metal strap bent along the outside of the

this breakage.
The strap shown in Figure

involved

and is very handy.

only extend

somewhat

of the bilge

more

than

of a motorboat.

able to judge which bends may Rive trouble,

counter of boats like Figure 8-12D, in which

to split

the length
After

of the hard

some practice

bend,

you will be

like those in the S frames forward of the

case the frame stock may be split with a

SPLIT

Figure

The tendency

sharp curves against

ribbands.
If you find some bad
illustrated
may be devised to do the same job. In most

BEf.J-7 FRAME

FRAMING

fine saw cut as shown

in Figure

of fact this is easier

ribbands.

When

use. If splitting

than

10-6 to permit

using

the frames
is resorted

a strap

when

the bend

to be made

the frames

are bent

easily.

123

As a matter

in the hull inside

the

are bent outside of the ribbands,

a strap is not difficult to
to, the frame should be fastened in way of the cut as soon as

possible.

Floor Timbers
One

of the most

timber.

These

between

of the hull

ably not remain

material,

and backbone.

planks

frame

members

pieces of f!at-grained

the frames

the garboard
each

important

and

tight.

their

Floors

is securely

floors,
along

are generally

fastened

usually

Without

fastenings

frame

is the so-called

oak, are the strength

severe strains

the rabbet.

placed

floor or floor

and

would

the hull would

alongside every frame

but there are certain

to the backbone,

connection

be imposed

on

prob-

to ensure that
exceptions
to

this rule. You will see plans for some powerboats

and light centerboard
sailboats with
floors located at only every other frame, but in the interest of safety, most boats of the
cruiser type, whether sail or power, do not omit any of them.
Floors are set on edge on top of the backbone
structure
and drift or through-bolted
to frames are either bolts
to it, depending
upon their location in the boat. Fastenings
or copper

rivets.

backbone

permits,

There

are always two bolts

and good

practice

through

calls for three

to the keel where

the width

or four fastenings

to the frame

of the
on

each side. Floors are shnwn

ly visible

in Figures l-3. 1-4, 1-5, 6-1, 8-8, and 8-12D and areclearwell illustrates
the
b- ! 1, 9-5, 9-8 and 10-8. The latter picture

in Figures

bolting

of frames

It should

be

to tl-,e floors.
noted

in

Figure

9-8

that

floors

have

already

been

fitted

backbone,
although
the boat has not yet been framed.
This method
is common
but would be recommended
to the amateur
tice for the professional
builder,
reluctance,

because

point.

With

this system,

each

frame,

bolted

and

in position.

the mold loft work involved might try his patience

each floor must be preshaped
from a full-size

correct
bevels
In v-bottomed
However,

the shape

and

are not so many

not

as it is with bent-frame

as much
The

of a chore

thickness

the frames

there

of floors should

in v-bottomed

be as specified

boats.

In bent-frame

is obtained

the floor can be

being an essen-

simultaneously

of them

to make,

pracwith

to the breaking
section drawn at

must be cut on three edges before

hulls, floors must also be preshaped,

tial part of each frame.

each frame being built,

to the

with that

of

so the lofting

is

hulls.
on the plans
hulls

most

and is usually
of the floors

the same as
are the same

thickness
or shghtly less than the thickness
of the frame. Those under the mast steps
and engine beds in both type boats are made heavier to take the extra strains found in
those areas and to accept the fastenings
that run through
the adjoining
parts at these
the keel casting and
points. Floors in way of ballast keels arc Jored for bolts through
the diameter
of the bolts.
are of a siding equal to the ordinary
flour: nlus
,
that floors be carefully
fitted.
Like all joints in a well-built
boat., it is impt.,--ltive
They

are made

ends

of the boat

to have full contact

the floors

with the frames,

are beveled

and where

off to fit tightly

the frames

as shown

twist in the

in Section

A-A in

FRAMING
-

BAT7-d (OR USE RlBbV%?)

AT LE-EL

OF TOP OF FLOOR
TY MEASURE
0EkEL Od OLIT0CARD
EQGE

KEEL,

cBEtEL
FLOOR ro FIT TIGHTAGAI~~YT
FRAME -- PLACE FLOORS CM I=OR72 51 DE OF FRAMES
FCRD 015 MbSHll:
Od AFT SIDE
AFT OF Ii4lMHIP

Figure

Figure
ships,

10-7.

The beveling

10-7. Due to the hull curving

the

placed

twist

in the frames

on the forward

the frames

from

for one reason

and .fastening

in toward

side of the frames

to the stern.

or another

at the option

movement

of the parts

when

the hull

installation

forward

Longitudinal
Although
hull

Strength

fore-and-aft

is all or partially

because
planks

or a short

they
on

fitted

stringers

is stressed.

Limber

10~7A) so rain

than

about

one-half

shown

in the photograph

otherwise

holes are cut on the bottom

or bilge water will drain

to the

The outboard
edges of the floors are
This bevel may be obtained
from a rib-

may be sprung

and

planked,
on the

To save weight

other

and on the aft side of

floor may be located

around

clamps

they

may

or not
inside

may

the adjacent

the boat
of the

not be fastened

be considered

part

is decked.

frames.

the smallest

and

hulls,

the width

make
are

installation

tapered

at the ends

frames

for

before

the

of the workboat

install these pieces in single

in Chapter
8 and as shown

in Figure

and

strengthen

the clamps

from

a maximum
and

10-8. If material

framing

clatnps

the

Stringers

lengths,
they may be pieced
in Figure 8-13.

hull

and be carefully
oak where weight

easier,

in width

of the boat.

in place
of the

Stringers

They

siderahly
and to be most effective
they should fit snugly
They a .e made of hard pine or Douglas fir and sometimes
jectionable.

are

Members

arc used whether

edge

of amidships

the floors

to fit the member

it rests upon, and many proinch or so over the keel to aid in preventing

(Figure

batten

and aft of amid-

consequently

of the designer.

low point of the bilge for removal

by pumping.
beveled so the planking
will bear against them.
band in the vicinity,
the same purpose.

forward

the ends;

An occasional

The bottom edge of a floor is beveled

fessionals
prefer to notch them a half
edges of floors before

are important.

the centerline

will bc toward

amidships

of floors

hull

are
con-

fastened.
is not ob-

and stringers,

in

amidships

to

clamps

are clearly

is not available

out with scarphs

as described

to

FRAMING

Figure
10-8.
(Roscwfihi)

Bilgr stringers
there

v-bottomed

boats

aground

be severai

and plugged

board

corners

possible
fastening.

boats except
side

Stringers

of the

give valuable

is usually

where

where

they will be visible

of the stringers

to the position
upon

bolts are used.

They

shown

builders.

The

chamfered
stringers

on the drawings,

the relative

thickness

In some boais
and

sprung

found

in

if a boat should

on each side made

tightly together.
wood screws, ex-

the upper

and lower in-

on a machine

be located

run as far fore and

of the piece,

ones, and in

the screws are counter-

or beaded

should

ribs

are not

support

one stringer

in quarters,

are sometimes

cnllpd

the smallest

hull.

strakes, and when multiple,

the strakes are wedged
is fastened
to each frame with staggered
flat-head

by professional

depending

:rn each

of the clrne.

in heavy construction,

appearance

why bent jLarnes nw often

and lay over on her side. There

bored

and

may
because

_ up of one or more
The bilge stringer
cept

shoua

are used in all round-bottomed

powerboats
run

T1zi.r photo~gru#

125

for

as closely

as

aft as is practical,

or shored

in place

for

126

FRAMING

DECdED

oPEh1
ROUND
BOTTOM

CHIME

Figure

The

Scr&ions

10-g.

showing

BOATS

sht~?r

dam/E

sheer clamp is located on the inside of the frames as shown in Figure 10-9.
r;atl
4,r a:~n to show :hat in decked boats the upper edge of
!O- !(! has been espe-.-..y

Figure

the clamp

is set down

plus the depth

sheerline
mum

from the sheer line a distance

equal to the thickness of decking
It is important
to keep this point in mind or else the

of the deck beams.

will not be at the right

strength.

the hull

This means

before

planking,

installing

that
the

in place

of the hull,
and

then

heights

interfering

The clamps

if the amateur
clamps,

temporarily

until

the two planks

replaced

from

and

the molds

OEck

with

are bolted

should

the bolts

to the frames

go ahead

would

have

for maxi-

and completely
to extend

plank

through

the

fastenings.
I am a little ahead of myself,
There are two ways of gerting around
this, although
One
way is to fasten the upper two
since planking
will be discussed in the next chapter.
planks

possibly

height.

the plank

planking

are taken

fastened

for good.

to adjacent

IO-IO.

In.

decked

frames,

After

the fitting

the molds

and bolting

are taken

out

of the clamps

The other method

is to transfer
the sheer
then cut away enough of the molds to in-

SHEER LitJE-TRAt-&FEP
THlS HEIGHT FROM MOLDS
TO FEAMES

0EAM

-i-H~tJrclER CLAMP
lhl HU
HAdtdG
DECK SHELF

Figure
sheer.

is completed.

off to enable

hulls,

PLAdE
l-C FIT
AGA IhITi- FIZAMEF

the top edge of the clamp

is placed

below the

STRlhlGte
TWItOUQH

00l.TdD
FLOOCS

ENGIJE

STLlhlGtP

--5TQ

t..iGEk5
ObEQ

SINGLE

\
-4%

Jj

EtiGlNE

j\m!-J_

TW,rJ

ii. J

I(

1)

11 ,i..~il~_ii~~,l.-~i~~

ENGINE

~~ml~e_IT;~m
~1; ~~~s~.~~~~~~r~~-

~~.~2z:~~~~71~_ -7,
. se: e0.rr
.~
-YY J ~~~~~~~I:~~~~~~ai~~~~.

z iI:::-T~~3?..
_ _--._ ll-~$g!===-~----- -. - -~~:~~~-l~~~_a_-al

Lmm-,--m

_------_--

_._-------

_----5

Figure 10-11. Engine

<G&E

E\GUE

stringers

and beds in a powerboat

hull.

hOTbtE_7

F PA.ES

=L~OZZ%

128

FRAMING

Figure 10-12. Auxiliary

stall the clamps

during

before

this work.

rebuilding.

planking.

The molds,

The clamps

sailboat

The

uppermost

of course,

are run from

corners

are sometimes

hold the frames

be used for another

the transom
Except
(Figure

chamfered

bed installation.

ribbands

cannot

planed to fit snugly against the frames.

necessary
if the clamp has much depth
lower inside

engine

in position

boat without

to the stem and the outside

in straight-sided
boats,
10-10). Like the bilge
or beaded

some

faces are

this is always
stringers,
the

for looks.

Clamps in v-bottomed
hulls are installed
and fastened
when the frames are set up,
and with the chines, are used to hold the frames in alignment.
Because of the depth of
v-bottom

frames,

the clamps

are more

often

screwed

than

bolted.

Engine Stringers
In order

to distribute

vibration,

engine

the weight

stringers

of the engine,

are found

and

in all properly

also to aid in elimination

de+ed

motorboats.

of hull

Sometimes

of oak, but more often of such woods as fir or yellow pine, the stringers are run as far
fore and aft as possible. To accomplish
this, they are occasionally
pulled toward the
centerline

forward

to permit

top of the floors.

board

stringers

tions are usually

straight

This

being

The stringers

planned

to the floors.

frames.

(Sep Figure
and

craft.

stringers

figured
from the horizontal
bolts, with allowances
made

boat

members

lengths,

conflicting

due to the curving

but if necessary

on

to the in-

They

installaare run

hull shape.

It is

they may be scarphed,

fastenings.

not resting

centerline

fastened
and

for twin-engine

the floors and are set on the frames.

stringers

10-l 1.) The

still be securely

stringers

/RU to % n over the floors and

Outboard

the engine

and

in a single-engine

The outboard

in single

to avoid

further

stringers

be as long as the inner

are notched

bolted
drawings

to extend

to both

too far out to catch

to have the stringers

the joints

them

in a twin-rngine

and cannot

desirable

applies

and through

or drift

on floors are through-bolted

frames,

to the

of the propeller

spaced

center-to-center
for the thickness

equally

to each

shaft
side,

is laid out from

the distance

the

being

distance
of the engine
holding-down
of the engine
bed material.

34

FRAMING

Engine

Beds

In motorboats

the engine

beds

may or may not be notched

engine thrust to the stringers,
the engine

in an auxiliary

stringers,

10-12.)
of the

Anywhere

from

hardwood

to the engine

as far aft as possible

In all boats

to determine

centerline

is fitted

are bolted

over the floors. If enough

notches are not necessary.

and in this case the beds are notched

(See Figure
sulted

129

the vertical
propeller

shaft

V4to 14 is allowed

shims when
with mounts

the engine
that

diagram

is aligned

10-11,

and

itself to the installation

boited

for the engine

the

top

edge

of

to them.

must

be con-

of the bolt lugs in relation

to determine

between

have a vertical

does not lend

of the bottom

in order

Figure

over the floors and drift

the installation
position

stringers,

bolts are used to transfer

the
The present custom of having

of the

to the
beds.

the lugs and the beds for the insertion

with the propeller

adjustment.

shaft,

unless

of

the engine

Chapter

11

PLANKING

Planking

a hull

is often

the most

always one of the simplest

out the width
not

seem

teaching.
learn

aspects

of the planks

to give
The

it much

stumbling

planking

difficult

part

for the professional.

and

thought

due

gested that he study the planking

Through
the ages a good many

tion.

Seams

pearance,

open

will become

unsightly

and

does

first-hand

it is not easy to
It is strongly

sug-

on boats in yards, especially

of the type he will build.
methods
of planking
have been devised, but only the
and

for appearance

so the lines of the seams are pleasing

and shut a little

especially

in words.

laying

the expert

because

the subject

and

has trouble

while

experience

is understandable,

to explain

most common
ones will be discussed
here.
The individual
planks are called strakes,
shaped

seams,

to accumulated

of an amateur

for the amateur

The beginner

the run of the planking

from a book or even

proportioned,

of boatbuilding

due to shrinking

on the topsides,

and swelling,

the strakes

as well as difficult

they should

should

to keep

be nicely

to the eye from every direcand for well-kept

ap-

not be too wide or the seams

tight.

Carve1 Planking
It will be well to discuss
most

common,

and

smooth

much

planking

of what

at first (Figure

is said

boat will apply also to other methods.

Carve1 planking
is made with the seams
to receive
seams
outside
130

cotton

is called
is about

caulking,

out-gauge

which
(Figure

x6 per inch

tight

makes

carve1

and should

thickness.

The

as this method

planking

on the inside

the planking

11 -lA)

of plank

about

11-l).

a round-bottomed

and open

watertight.
be made
planking

is the

on the outside

The

bevel

so the opening
material

on the
on the

should

be

131

PLANhING

de. Ihe edge ma, be

5w3=, 3 the nc,e
3- *ne 3--er

Figure 1 l-l.
ordered
and

somewhat

thicker

sandpapering,

1 I -1B).

than

Most of the hull

the amount,

planking

planking.

finished

the inside

more.

more

having

planking

than

A straightedge

1 l- 1C. It is not recommended

a boat

dimension

face of planks

will not need

may require

Figure

his first boat,

the specified

also for hollowing

but that on the turns

Cam4

that

to allow for planing

on sharp

an extra

turns

!/Afor finishing,

held on a frame

that an amateur

is less than

(Figure

will determine

choose

to build,

as

r& thick.

Butts in Planking
Some

small

boats

can

be planked

with full-length

strakes.

but

inasmuch

as the usual

available
lengths of planking
material
are from 12 to 20 feet in intervals
the strakes will ordinarily
consist of two or three pieces hutted end-to-end.
standpoint

of strength,

out before

the work is started,

than

try to visualize

rough

diagram

Figure

the location

of butts

taking

the butts

on the frame

11-2 shows

a satisfactory

adjacent

not have butts

strakes

made

blocks
snugly
drain

block

against
water

between
as thick

be sawn

Set the butt

a plan

should
at hand.

it is much

a pair

to length

the

otherwise
frame

blocks

but dont

of frames,

and

requires

in white

and

should
shorter

lead,

clog the drains

frame

spaces

the frames,
their

and

easier

be laid
Rather

to make

fastenings

find

in Figure

between,

between

them.

planed

and
Butts

on the outside
corners

those

used

to fit

chamfered

Using

a butt

to
block

for the normal

it, or one of the modern

11-2.

that

being backed
by an oak or
the strake of planking.
Butt

outboard
than

you will note

strakes

on top of the block.

if you can

shown

three

the joint
wider than

have

be trapped

without

three

to fit between

might

out the butts,

space

without

as the frame

the planking,

that

thinner
than
planking.
sealers,

should

midway

should

of the boat,

way of laying

be in the same frame

are

and

the material

as a guide.

no two of them should

mahogany

is important,

into consideration

of two feet,
From the

marine

132

PLA NRING

,-

pi-Ah-e,

- FF?A WE-5

--~----~~
t
P-F-T=

+ ,

LACCT

Figure 1 l-2.

Planking

Let us consider

carve1 planking

the sheer

the bottom
under

is called.

strake

first,

planking

coming

about

2= PLAti!vi.hiG 3dT-r5
for

thm5 diagram)

7. The

round-bottomed

boat

normal

sequence

planking

then

the garboard.
of the bilge,

and one on the bottom,

like the 12.footer

the two adjoining

and

to then

broad

alternately

with the shutter,

amidships

is the tot:J

at the longest
toward

number

frame.

the turn

of strakes

The

to be used,

garboard

of the bilge,

will

is

strakes,

plank

one

as the last plank

determined

be the widest,

with the topside

strakes

As to exactly

how wide to make

the planks

on a given

boat,

the sheer

strake.

for good

appearance,

These

sizes are not hard

and fast,

but it should

by the
and

the

the narrowest
the rest of the

this is where

spection of other boats can help. The following is offered as a general

tion: 6 to 8 for the garboard,
diminishing
to 4th * for the topsides

Bend

used

for the amateur

and all about the s&me width. The sheer strake can be a little wider than
topside planks because of the rub rail often used.

pearance,

L iI

b-+- -12 n the bottom

planking
and the sheer. (See
Because it is difficult
to clamp the shutter,
it should be a plank that is
without twist, and . hat does not require
steaming.

widths will decrease

Naturally,
boat are

midway

first consideration

widths

to the turn

the sheer strake

Figure 1 l-l.)
fairly straight,
The

sco e ne~esor\l

a simple

loft work in Chapter

to fashion
strake

(hi0

Procedure

to illustrate
and

ComerS
TITdnr wa-2r

you:

in-

guide to proporand 5 to 6 for

be remembered

that

the topside strakes should not be over 4 th m wide amidships.

these widths apply only at amidships,
as the frame girths at the snds of the
less, and the planks must taper in width toward
the ends. Again for apthe taper
a thin

batten

should
around

be uniform.
the midship

frame,

mark

the length

from

the keel rab-

PLANKING
bet to the sheer,
sheer
for

strake
the

and

purpose

tapered

frame

of obtaining

a little

pearance

lay out the plank

on the midship
at the

bow

and

of the plank

and remove

is the sheerline,

Then

run

the bottom
stern

of the line is satisfactory,

on all the frames,

widths.

and

edge

and

mark

lay off the width

a full-length
the

batten

of the

plank.

batten

must

The

Of course,

from which

the thickness

for the

the frames

plank

be fair.

the edge of the plank

the batten.

desired

around

133

should

be

the

ap-

When

at the boats ends and

it is understood

that the top edge

of the decking,

if any,

must

be

out on the frames,

it

deducted.
With
must

the shape

of the sheer

be transferred

will fit properly

for doing

to a plank

without

strake

determined

for cutting.

cdgesetting

this is known

and

This

must

(springing

marked

be done

edgewise

accurately,

into

place).

so the plank
The procedure

as spiling.

Spiling
The

shape

is obtained

with

the aid of a spiting

somewhat

longer

than

thickness.

Several

such battens

use. The

batten

any individual

is clamped

strakc,

should

for its entire

a little

below the top edge of the plank

of the batten
sprung

will be parallel

on edge.

the spiling

batten

and

batten

,~;VIJI~CPin shape
accuracy

and that it is not sprung

the plank

is to place
between

from

lie more

than

on the batten
Repeat

frame

numbers

lettrrcd

square

at every

circle

and

a batten

a couple

sure

edgewise.
This

it lies flat against

Its upper

that

and

with a curved

of inches

from

take your carpenters

edge should

the plank

pencil

compass

For greater

be made

identifying

at the ends

all points

so they will not become

of the plank,

and set the legs with

labeling

for the particular

confused

plank

with points

if the

marks.

down from the line of the top edge of the plank.

and

idea of
the d[p

the greatest space between the edge of the batten

With one leg of the compass on the plank mark,

frame

been

whole

so determine

and thr edge of the plank.

be

the edge

has probably

will not fit. The

to he made

the

edge should

does not mean

If it is. the batten

the spiling

the edge of the batten

To USC the spiling batten,

a gap about 4.1 more than
plank marks on the frames.
11-S.)

edge.

it like the plank

on hulls with a lot of sheer,

should

point

made

make

to be made.

to the plank

is a piece of softwood

and Y/1,,or less in

they will be mutilated
with

because

to the franles;

frames

which

4 to 6 wide,

be on hand,

or tacked

width

batten,

about

and the
make a

(See Figure

the points

with

with a numbered

for other

planks

later

or
on.

Do not change the opening

of the compass while spiling the plank.
Mark cuts across
the batten for the butt, the stern ending,
or the stem rabbet,
as the case may be. Now
take

the batten

(Figure
this time,
board.
until
width:

off the boat

l l-3B).

Still

and

lay it on the board

not changing

the compass

with one leg of the compass

Before

making

the points
then

tack

any actual

on a point

marks,

that

opening,

on the batten,

test with

the compass

will be as close to the edge of the plank

the batten

against

is to be used for the plank

reverse

as possible

the procedure,
mark
and

points

and
on the

shift the batten

in order

to not waste

movement.

Mark all the points and the endings of the plank. Remove the spiling batten and run
a fairing batten through
all the points and draw the edge of the plank with a pencil.
Do not worry if the shape

of the line is peculiar.

If the spiling

has been done correctly,

134

PLANKING

tiotc
opcnsnq
of compllss
me same durvnq
+ransfcras

-1

i .L

./i

I-

to
17

wmdhen sP~h?q

I
t3oordin Denbf
.-c

I:;,

wmemzeecw

mm
.

S,&

e&cd

Figure 1 l-3.

the plank

will fit in place

when

bent

around

the frames.

boat, pick off the width of the sheer strake that

and marked
on the frames. At the corresponding
the plank

widths

the plank.

and run a batten

If the boat is decked,

the deck,

then

through

Now at each

frame

on the

was previously
laid out with a batten
frame marks on the board, lay out

them

to draw

allow a little extra

a line for the lower edge of

on the upper

edge for the crown

of

saw out the plank.

Plane the upper edge for the crown and the lower edge square and clamp the plank
in place. Unless there is something
obviously wrong it can be used as a pattern
for the
same

plank

in tnind
plank

that

rdge.

scarring

fitted

side of thr boat.

the butt end of a plank

Incidentally.

from

Garboard
The

on the othrr

always

pressure

that,

it can be fastened

has to have outgauge

in place.

for caulking,

use a block of wood between

the plank

Bear

just as with a
and a clamp

so

will not occur.

Strake

garboard

plank

in place

is likely

the remainder

from the rest is that its shape

rolr as a starting
edge from which
wider

After

to be the most
will scrm

plank

of all, but once

to fit. What

by the contour

sets this strake

of the rabbet

end than

at amidships.

depends

entirely

on the hull

To get out the garboard.

a spiting
scribed previously,
with the exception
an actual

pattern

This

is net

unusual,

because

and if it were to be tapered

dip down. This is the general

it is
apart

and also by its

point for the rest of the planking.

In order to have a nice,
to start the tapering
of the remaining
planks, the garboard

at its forward

close to being

all the easier

is determined

twisted into place at its forward

end,
than amidships
the upper edge might
application

troublesome

fair upper
might be
the plank

is

narrower
forward
rule, although
its

form.

is taken for the lower edge by the method dethat the spiting batten should be cut so that it is

for the plank.

This

is especially

true at the stem,

where

the end of the garboard

will be well rounded
to fit in the rabbet. The spiling marks
must be close together where the curve is pronounced,
and they are made plumb vertical from the rabaet. When transferring
the spiting to the board for the plank, draw an

135

PLANKING
arc with the compass (Figure
1 l-3C) instead ofjust
plank, run a batten so it is tangent
to the arcs.
Lay out the width

of the garboard

bottom

edge of the sheer strake,

board.

The

such

that

be fairly
should

width

any excessive
straight

little

wider)

placed

or there

strakes.
forward

before,

but

you look at it. In the case of the 12.foot

less than
and

at amidships.

take

plane

a spiting

the edge

receive
The

As before,

against

upward

curve

test is to sight

the plank,

so it is open

a little

will

ends of

be as wide (or a

the

batten

in appearance

you have

from wherever

at the transom

plane

be

however,

at the forward

will probably

the width

should

straightening,

the edge on all the frames,

Saw out

the rabbet

of the strakes

This

pleasing

skiff,

mark

of the edge.

the remainder

bent.

the

is fair and

like you did for the

for the top edge of the garstrakes

the garboard

as it is amidships,

and see that the line it makes

and,

the edge of the

the two broad

so that
being

will be too much

As stated

frame

and

is removed.

they are flat before

not be overdone.

the remaining

and to draw

on the frames

of the garboard

curvature

when

at the midship

run a batten

at the ends

a point,

will be a little

remove

the batten,

the top edge

on the outside

square,

and

for the seam

to

caulking.
forward

end of the garboard

will probably

need steaming

to get it in place;

it is

possible that this will be the only plank on the boat that will need such treatment.
While the plank is steaming,
assemble at hand plenty of clamps, wedges, and material
for shores

to the floor.

and clamp

When

ready,

it, then as quickly

Gttt the plank

flat against

fit the forward

as possible

the frames

bend

end of the plank

the plank

with shores

in the rabbet

in place while

to the floor.

first

it is still limber.

Cut a shore

a little short,

toe nail it to the floor, and drive a wedge between the top of the shore and the plank. If
the bottom edge does not tic properly in the rabhet.
clamp a piece of oak to the frames
above

the

plank

sideways.

drive

Never drive

crushed.

Fasten

to do except
lucky,

and

wedges

a wedge

the plank

it will not need

normal
boat
some wasted

directly

in place

to let it cool,

when

more

against

a block

against

on the

edge

the edge of a plank,

if it fits satisfactorily.
it can be removed

ateaming

plank

for replacement.

the garboard
is the most difficult
material
before you produce one

there

is nothing

the fit corrected.

If you are

Dont be discouraged,

plank to fit, and

that is right.

it

or the edge will be

If it doesnt,
and

to move

it may

for in a

even cost you

Broad Strakes
The
spiting

next

plank

is taken

for the upper

to go on is the one above

of the edge

edge,

wit1 be straight
tween
frame,
board

and

shown

called
and

and

on your

the spiting

the bottom

this time mark

midship

edge

of the sheer strake

of the first broad

to straighten

layout

is done
batten,

by the planned
the plank

it or give it a more

and
planks

to the space

by counting

a batten

so the remaining

and

between

on the frames.

It may be that

running

it in proportion

This

the distance

the first broad,

Before

the plank

by tapering

planking
dividing

all directions.

end in order

how to taper

Start

called

the garboard.

the sheer strake.

frames,

only the width

look at the line from

the forward

easy to make.
plank

the garboard,

will lie against

you have to decide

the garboard

of strakes

that

be-

the number

at every

third

or so

the top edge of the garnumber

of strakes.

Now run the batten

will want

pleasing

to be wider

appearance

At
and
at

when

136

PLANKING

PLANKING

SCALE

E%cample: A~ume
Greakst

a"

Least

6straKe5 remaining.
girth divided b\/&3= 4k
'I @w 3"
15
04

4!q-3=

lr/?= 12 eighths

Divide space between girth nvlrKs on

scale batten into IZqual part5

Scak applied to any frame will give

plank width

at that frame.

Figure 1 I-4.

viewed

from

satisfies.

forward.

mark

If so, make

the frames,

and plane the plank to shape.

system so that when the turn
tween

there

and

the sheer

planks

between

wider,

the batten,

but dont

overdo

take a spiting

it. When

the line

for the top edge,

and saw

The next two or three planks are lined out with the same
of the bilge is reached,
the remainder
of the planks be-

strake

Width Scale for Remaining

The

it a little

remove

may

ail be of uniform

width

and

taper.

Planks

the last of the bottom

planks

and

the sheer strake

may

be lined

out by dividing
the unpianked
girth at each spiting frame into equal spaces. However,
the work can be made easier if you use a planking
scale made with a batten about /RUx
I . Mark
I,!!ddie

on the batten
of

the

aritilmeticaiiy

boat,
divide

responding

with

mark

also

the greatest

Let us say the answer

Do the same

the greatest
and

between

3 and

marks

41$$ into

any frame,

will give the width

note

girth

12 equal

11-4.)
takes

distance

You will see that

a few minutes
the plank

by the number

assuming

the

spaces

and

the scale,

label

Divide

them
applied

of the strake

at that

frame.

time

a planking

to make
on as many

will be near
may

be.

the

Then

still to go on.

mark on the scale 4!$ .

of eighths

12 in this case.

it

of strakes

answer

when

widths

which

wherever

call the corresponding

and,

on the scale,

(See Figure

and

girth

space,

on the scale 3 . Now find the number

the two girth

It only

still to be planked,

shortest

is 4 I,$ ; therefore
the shortest

between

along

space
the

the cor-

the space

are

on the scale

so each one represents

to the unpianked

scale,

of the frames

is 3, call

of an inch there

S.

girth

of

and with it you can go

as you like for reference

137

PLANKING

when

making

tens,

although

coming

the remainder
each

of the strakes.

plank

must

out as they should,

redivide

the remaining

The

ribbands

boat

than

on the

becoming

other.

that

for instance,

the planks

to a pair

Hollowing

now on, it is unnecessary

However,

if you find

a batten

that

to straighten

to run bat-

the seams

things

are not

out and

then

again.
as they become

distorted,

As you

do not put more

fit a plank,

the pl.anks are not truly

on opposite

an interference
make

opposite.

to making

planks

a mate
In other

sides are not exact

a plank.

on one side of the

for

the opposite

words,

side,

due to hollowing,

duplicates

and may

be com-

of shoes.

and Rounding

Hollowing
bottom.

once

are only removed

remembering
pared

be spiled.

it is best to run

space

To keep the hull from

From

of planks,
After

Figure

a plank

1 l- 1 B, is best done

is hollowed

with a wooden

to fit the curve

thickness nn the edges with a marking

before fastening
it into position.
This

plane

having

of the frames,

gauge and roughly round

will save work later.

mark

a rounded
the finished

the face of the plank

Stealer Planks
The

typical

frame

auxiliary

sailboat

hull,

well aft of amidships,

start

at the rabbct

post, depending

with

requires

in the sternpost
upon

and

the number
these

will show

that

planks

as the turn

of the bilge is reached.

short

mold,

the stealers

along

the keel. (Referring

and

keel will be fitted

to avoid

plank

ends

in the process

that

(SW Figure

board

running

for the length

urged

in Figure
that before

to the one being

I I-6B.
beginning
built

of being

turned

to remarks

for whatever

of the hull.

A study of such
the remaining

shows the shape

of

chap: ers, the deadwood

1 l-5 after

it is right side up.) Often,

stealers

type of planking

, but it still is possible

possible

be made
can

of the stern-

I t-5, of a hull built

over, clearly

to take a fastening,

pointers

at a

generally

in preceding

In this particular

a study

forward

Figlut

located

These

to straighten

photograph,

are numerous

the job,

positions

necessary

of the keel rabbet

There

to be planked
as stealers.

and the shape

are

to the hull in Figure

l l -6A.)

girth
known

at varying

The

are too pointed

neighbors.

lustrated

end

planks

over a permanent

their

planks

of stealers

a hull

ballast

the greatest

short

variations,

into

there is no garto have one as iland it is strongly

of the planking

be picked

are nibbed

on a boat similar

up.

Plank Fastenings
The

type of fastening

Normal
width

planking
of the plank

will be as specified

is secured
will permit,

in the narrow topside

width of the frames,
driven

into

with three

the floor.

on the plans
fastenings

such as throughout

or according

to your own choice.

per plaL~k at each

the bottom.

and

frame

where

the

wo at each frame

strakes. The fastenings

are staggered
to the extent allowed by the
and planks that cross floors have an additional
fastening
or two
The

butts

are fastened

with five in each

plank

end as shown

in

138

PLANKING

Figure 1 l-5. Stealer planks are used to straighten

turn

Figure

11-Z. Butts

ings and

in larger

plugging

size auxiliaries

are discussed

you are liable

down with palm

to plane

and finger

are frequently

in Chapter

After planking,
the hull is ready
jack plane and using long strokes
plane

the remainingstmkes

as the

of the bilge is reached.

bolted.

for preliminary
smoothing,
to smooth off high areas.

hollow

areas

tips will reveal

Drilling

for fasten-

6.

in the planking.
high spots that

done by planing
with a
With a shorter smooth
Rubbing

the hull up and

are not readily

seen with the

eye.

Caulking
Before
tight.

Carve1 Planking

smoothing
This

the hull further,

is a verv critical

the plank

seams

step in hull building.

are caulked

By caulking

to make

too hard

them

water-

it is possible

to

pull the plank

lightly driven,

fastenings
and force a plank away from the frames; if the caulking
is too
it will he forced out of the seam by the swelling of the planks when wet.

Just

amount

the right

of caulking

adds

considerable

stiffness

to the planking.

The entire job of correct caulking

is a skilled art, and if the amateur
plans to employ
professional
help with his boat at any stage of construction,
here is a good place to do
so. Dont
When
rolled
Thicker

let this discourage

the plank

into

the seams

planking

marine

supply

a clean

floor

unfold

strands.

They

break

and roll them

you from

thickness

with a caulking

must

have

in a hall.

caulking

packages

the bundle

to the full

so handle

Also make

the job,

a strand

them

a couple

however.

or two of cotton

wheel or driven

regular

stores in one-pound
easily,

tackling

is /8H or under,

cotton

made
length

wicking

with a thin-edged
in the seams,

up of folds of multiple
of the strands;

with care.

then

single strands

iron.

obtainable

at

strands.

On

separate

the

Now take two strands

of balls from

may be

making

at a time

for use in nar-

row seams and plank butts or for adding a piece to a double strand for use where the
seam is wide. Keep the cotton clean, or else you will have to pick wood chips and pieces
of trash
Start
a little

off the strands

as you use them.

at one end of a seam

sticking

out to drive

and
into

tuck an end of the cotton

strand

the seam at the end of the plank:

in the seam,

leaving

then gather

the cot-

PLANKING

139

0A
Figure

ton in a small
Normally
seams

loop with the caulking

you may need

the seams

another

the seam.

of the cotton

hack

iron

you will use one with a blade

and so on down
hulk

11-6. Two methods

The

is correct

have not been

to the beginning

the seam

iron about

composition

11-7, If at any point

of using stealer

and drive it in the seam with a making iron.

/,6 thick at the working edge, but for wider
7, rr thick. Next to the first loop drive a second,

trick is to make

for the width

madr

uniform.

and

drive

is put in later.

the cotton

the seam should

The

cotton
being

should

not

driven,

it shoulrl

in the seam

done

enough

Careful

all the

fitting

mahogany.

calls for the right

good

caulking

not only by the thickness

amount

of mallet

the right

depth.

of the strand

pressure
Dont

to make

forget

amount

force

the butts.

of the planking

for

drive a

will reduce

of the seam.
formed

When

in a tight

for itself in the plank edges.

in hardwood
planking
like
of cotton

a depression

Caulking

room

go

in Figure

to take the caulking,

hulk,

hut also by the size of the loops,

the strand

to caulk

to make

by the caulker

of the seam depth,

make a slight depression

mallet
will he needed

vary if

a few feet of loops,

way to the bottom

be in the middle

rope-shaped
strand which should
Heavier
blows with the caulking
Thus,

this will necessarily

far enough

is being

not he open

be driven

and

you have driven

This

dumb iron into the seam to spread it wider.

the work with a dumb iron to a minimum.
finished

the size of the loop just right so that the

of the seam,
After

that

planks.

tools

determined
and the right

in the plank
are shown

edges at
in Figure

1 l-8.

Smoothing
After

caulking,

paint

for the purpose.

Wipe

the seams

with thickish

off any paint

that

paint,
gets

using

a narrow

on the outside

seam

brush

of the planking

made
while

doing the seams. When the seams are dry, smooth the hull again with a plane, set for a
firer cut this time to get the remainder
of the high spots. All the while, rub the palm
of your
smoothed
and then

hand

diagonally

across

the planking

to find

the bumps

and

hollows.

If not

perfectly at this time, the unfair portions

will show up when paint is applied,
the hull must be left as is or else a part of the job must be done over. Sand-

140

PLANKING

Figure
1 l-7. Caulking is looped just
muck caulking can harm planking.

enough

to property

/ill tile seam.

Too

paper the hull after planing,

gradually
using finer grit until it is as smooth as you want
it. Garnet paper is better than sandpaper;
although
more expensive,
it cuts faster and
lasts longer.

A tinr~ finish

can be obtained

with a diagonal

with this tool. Give the hull the first coat of paint
seam

composition

made

scraper

and carefully

if you are skilled

fill the seams with hull

for this purpose.

More About Caulking

The

caulking

procedure

today

as it ever was,

pound

for the seams

hands

have sworn

deed caulked
the matter
pensive,

but modern

is the old standby

materials

the cotton

permit

the cotton

caulking

I would

stay with

less of it will be needed

It is my understanding

that

absolutely

for so long,

clean,

and

to be omitted.

the whole

the method.

if the seam

method

the use of a different

caulking

tightens

have been so satisfactory

of expense,
and

above

and even permit

that

boats

described

filling

com-

So many

hull structure,

and

old
in-

that,

for that reason

and also

These

new compounds

are ex-

is partly

bare

is as good

wood

filled

with cotton.

in the seam is required

for

proper adhesion
certainly
would

of the modern compound- 3. This is no problem

with a new hull, but it
take a lot of work to prepare
the seams of an old boat. The cotton and

seam

not

sides

Douglas

are

fir, and

painted

perhaps

in the
yellow

old-fashioned

pine,

have

way,

an oil that

but

woods

impairs

such

adhesion

as teak
and

and

conse-

PI..1 NhING

14 1

//
7

i
:/.

.-

c
d

CAU,KI~J!G
WHEEL

Figure 11-8. Sca~n caulking

whrel

quently
sulfide

need coating
with
compounds.
Check

priming.

Hull

The

polysulfide

is rollcgd into seams

with the

a special primer
made by the manufacturers
of the polythe makers recommendations
carefully
in regard to seam
compounds

are a two-part

mix;

the silicones

are not.

the hull can br given

a priming

Painting

For preservation
of paint.

while

the boat is bring

A few remarks

not do for boats.

and beautify
that

pools. Cot&m
is Y8 thick or ltm.

when planking

paints

pin;

is cheap

work.

Most of the marine

Good

your hard

tell you how to do a good

that you stick to the rules.

instructions
f~urd

iI1

planking

are in order.
insurance,

paint

There

Take

job from

are different

so use only marine

paint
start

paints

and

all of them

will

to protect

firms have descriptive

to finish,

systems,

coat

my word that house paints

booklets

it is recommended
good nowadays,

and

should be followed carefully.

The only suggestion
I have that may not be
d paint company
bookiet is to cover the entire inside of the framework
and
(except

nothing

finished.

about

where

visible

in quarters)

else. If you do want

to paint

with two coats of a wood

later,

the preservative

preservative

and

acts as a primer.

Lapstrake Planking
Sometimes
planking.
plank

directly

completed.
start

called

clinker

In the first
over

Secondly,

at the garboard

order. The
each plank

planking,

place,

the molds,

proceed

as one

and before painting.

are lined out and spiled

of the laps must

be taken

into account

being

plank

upward

nature
of the planking
prevents
is planed
before final installation,

after planking
The strakes

planking

of the stiffness

the frames

inasmuch
and

lapstrake

because

bent

in place

when

laps over the next,

to the sheer

strake

efficient
smoothing
but a light final

the same
when

is very different
of the planking

carve1
to

the p!anking

is

the planking

without

must

any change

in

after completion,
so
sanding
may be done

as for carve1 planking.

laying

from

it is possible

out the widths

but the width

of the planks.

Lap-

142 PIA NKINC;

Vd/inTH OF PLA)rll(:IdJsOE EDGE

0A

LAP

BEVEL

rV&DGE

11-9. I.npmlrc

Figure

strake

planking

l
I,:- .I.L,..U
-othnJ
L.L.0

material
utilized

/hnkirrg

is used principally

cic*trcils.

for small

boats

where

light weight

nf nl-nL;nm
ic -~PPI~
rtiff
f-actpninm
I
y. . . . . ..b ..I
.L.,
., . . . . riarn
u..- tn
. &..
.c--.ae a the
.-*-

can

be turd,

for boats

for high-speed

resulting

like yacht

fishing

in a saving

tenders

skiffs and

of weight.

and lifeboats
sport

edam
--b-v

that

is preferred,

of the laps,

For this reason,

are hoisted

for

aned th_innpr

the method

out of the water

is
and

cruisers.

The section in Figure 11-9 shows how the upper edge of each plank is beveled so the
next one will fit tight against it for the width of the lap. The bevel varies from one end
of the plank
bevel

may

specific
little

to the other
be gauged

width

wider

to scratch

due to the shape

with a rule

of lap, but the minimum

as the plank

thickness

the lap width

At each mold

or spiling

frame.

the plank,

using

the short

cuts

bench

Your

l l-9A
plans

W on planking
As a guide

with a marking

the correct

becomes

Figure

or mold.

is about

is increased.

on the plank

inch or so. The job then

of the sections.

at any frame

when

gauge

shows how the

should

as thin
beveling,

or mark

bevel is cut on the plank

rabbet

builders

prefer

with an equal
rabbet

plane

(Figure

l l-9B)

a tapering
lap like Figure
with its gauge

as t/t 0 and a
it i., helpful

it with a pencil.

for the length

work to cut the bevel for the entire

of an

length

of

as guides.

The planks must be flush where they fit in the stem rabbet or against
This is done, beginning
about two feet from the plank end, by changing
beveled

call for a

in order

half-lap
l l-9C.

joint,
This

to avoid
finishing

a feather

edge on the outside.

off at the very ends

can be done

set for the width

quickly

of the plank

the transom.
the bevel to a

and neatly

lap. Naturally

Some

of the planks
by a Stanley
all beveling

of

143

PLANKING
laps must

be carefully

this part
that

done

or leaky seams

of the work goes along

while

the shape

once

of any one plank

frame

positions

completion
are then

riveted

is the same

on both

and

the

bedded

the ends

in thick

eliminate

white

bet without

The shallow
so builders

at each

or one

This

of ordinary

the clamp

to hold the planks

Double
The

C clamps

shown

manner,

6-6.)

and

transom,

are riveted.
the planks

screws

wicking
sealers

in the

are

(but

not glue)

tightly
builder

rabbet.

unless

it to clamp

A half dozen

If the boat

are clamped

to

in the rab-

is to use a caulked

11.9D.

are

in Yl -inch

ends in the stem rab-

does not permit

in Figure

After

planking

1 Id rr apart

ends are fitted

alternative

the

The planks

for the amateur

The

while the edges

over frames in the conventional

smooth planking.

marine

off

between

for guides.

for lapstrake

of cotton

the plank

is marked

riveted

(See Figure

the plank

of the modern

required.

spacing

about

At the stem

fastening

is not recommended

depth

have devised

fasteners

the bevels

left-hand.

the marks

a length

carve1 planking.

and

be spaced

remember

sides of the hull,

in position.

(Rivet

how rapidly

Always

laps are copper

planks.
lay

gained.

the frame

using

Before

generally

workmanship

throat

lap.

it is surprising

right-

placed

lap rivets should

lead.

outgauge.

of the neat

and

3 in %-inch

Unlike

The

are bent,

of the planks.

experts

caulking.

capable

is made

the frames

up to about

lapstrake

needed

plank

6.) The

are made
over molds.

as it is fitted.

to the frames

in Chapter

used to fasten
bet,

as each

of planking.

discussed
planks,

plank

but

has been

In other words, the planks

are opposite.
If the lapstrake
boat is being planked
on the keel and on each

will result,

experience

he is
seam.

the laps,

or so will be

is lapstrake

planked

to the frame* just like

Planking

purpose

recaulking,
pensive,

of double
and

because

of pianking

planking

a sleek

finish

the planking

is thilmer

than

is twofold.

It insures

is relatively
job is really

normal

watertightness

easy to maintain.
done

and easier

without

Double

twice, notwithstanding

to apply.

The total

periodic

planking

is ex-

that each layer

thicknessof

planking

is the same as single

planking.
but weight
can be saved over a single-plarlked
mahogany
job by planking
the inner layer with a good, lightweight
wood, such as
white or Port Orford cedar. On the other hand, some of the weight saving is offset by
the additional

quantity

of metal

used

to fasten

the two layers

together

between

so that

be replaced

the

frames.
The

garboard

plank

is usually

made

single

it can

easily

if

necessary;
the sheer strake and the first broad are also single thickness
but are rabbeted for the outer layer as shown in Figure 11-10. The seams of the inner layer are arranged

to come at the middle

the same as for a carve] job,

layers.
inner
fitted,
outer

Of course,

the width

sit akes ate fastened

the fastenings
strake

pound.

of the outer

sufficiently

to the frames

is fastened,

All seams

of the outer

are

tightly

The planking
no difference

strakes

with small

without

with

that there are two

consideration.

and when

as for single

on the inside

together

is lined out and spiled

except

is the primary

screws,

are the same

it is first coated
fitted

strakes.

for there is actually

the outer strakes

planking.
a double

outgauge.

The
are

Before
planking

each
com-

as no caulking

is

necessary.
Between frames the layers of planking
screws along the edges of the inner strakes

are fastened
together
from the inside with
and also along each side of the middle of the

144 P1.ANKING

1dhh5R SEAM AT MIDDie

OF IhiPslER PLAJK -

1 l-10. IhuI~l~ pltr~~kiu~ rklnils.

Figure

inner strakcs
to fasten the edgrs
headed screws with washers under
two layers
enough
would

are so complctrly

to takr

the screws

be a 7; outer

of the outer strakes.

These fastenings
the hrads. The whole job is very strong

tied
from

layer

together.

Naturally

the inside.

against

the outer

An example

l!n inner

layer

are roundbecause the

must

of layer thickness

planking,

making

be thick

proportion

a finished

thickness

of I I.

Batten Seam Planking

This

planking

by battens
Although
plication

system

owes its name

to which the planks are fastened along

it is possible to plank round-bottomed
is for v-bottomed

stock cruisers
has been

to the fact that

used seam

popular

hulls.
batten

its seams

with amateurs,

because

Marine

batten

keel is caulked
ordinary
glue,
To
clamps

seam glue is applied

caulking

build
fitted

the seams,

as usual.
it remains

a boat

the seam

The batten
seam
pliable
indefinitely.

by this method,

and fastened

to the battens

although

in place.

glue

producers

many

out the plank

The frames may be spaced relatively

wider because
battens.
Figure 11-12 shows a well-built
frame ready
eliminate

largest

for many,
lining

on the inside

the edges, as shown in Figure 11-11.

boats in this manner,
the best ap-

One of this countrys

construction

are backed

just before
is not

the v-bottomed

of v-bottomed
and

edges

the planking
for planking.

between

The seam battens

years,

is fairly

is stiffened

fastening

the garboard
well named

hull

the method
by the

the planks
plank

to

and the

because,

is set up with

are then clamped

simple.

chines

unlike
and

to the frames,

BATJE~
SEAM
l=iANG(rhl~

------

William

A Ilull framed for

G. Hobbs Yacht Sales)

11-R

batten seam planking.

(Photo

courtesy

of

146

PLANKING

having

been

located

depending

by dividing

on the width

greater

than

sighted

for appearance,

look fair,

with

frame.

will be flush
each

with

of the plank

and there

is no clamp

ing batten

(or added

may

against

around

along

adjusted,

where
when

The

if necessary,

fitted.

is notched
The

may be

battens

are

so that

they

stem,

and

they cross the frames,

a batten,
Thus

and

the shape

so the battens

battens

pencil

of the batten,

so half

edge of the plank.

are fastened

are drawn

in

at the sheer,
the top edge

Screw fasten

along

but remember

the batten

If the frame

by spiling

the frames.

lines

is obtained,

the planking

be preserved

sprung

the battens

to) each

of 6 amidships.

the spacing

widths

screws.

so it overlaps
is to the middle

from

parts,

The plank

the framework

of the planking

from the inside.

deducted

the sheerline

are marked
removed,

one or two flat-head

is clamped

edges of the batten

width

edges

of equal

material.

they have been

the battens

the inside

into a number

planking

say an average

and when

With

with

notch

A plank

frame

carve1 planking,

the top and bottom

transom

each

of the available

width

spacing

must

be

is very wide

as in the boat in Figure

of the sheer strake

the planking

the

the net

11-l 1.

from

a fair-

to the frames

and

to

the edges.

Strip Blanking
Strip planking
enjoyed

planking

popularity

a hull with narrow

in certain

areas

edge-fastened

for many

years,

strips of solid lumber-has

and

the interest

has

become

greater with the use of fiberglass

or other synthetic
fabrics and resin to cover the outside of these hulls. The edge-fastening
consists of an adhesive plus nails to hold the
strips

together

ticed before
ing had

during

the curing

cycle of the adhesive.

the era of waterproof

to be as near

adhesives,

perfect

as possible.)

fastening

produce4

a dimensionally

stable

fiberglass

or other

such synthetic

materials.

The

skin

structure

boats with strip-planked

that this type of planking

guess

one

planked.

rould

was common

say that

left to those

skilled

Strip planking
how many
any means),
parallel-sided

is usually
LOanother

vary,

there
strip

something

m;lst

The dimensions
thick,

and

half times

anvwhere

be done

the length

edge-

itself to sheathing

area of North
wooden

canoes

workmanship

girths

with

of one

Carolina.
were

strip

and should

of the hull dictating

of the hull

nbrmally

more to strip planking

a hull
just like it. It is easy to understand
to compensate

from the same

There

the shape

Unless

of the hull (and

of the ztrips are a matter

the thickness.

of plank-

modern

1 was told by the owner

lsland

precise

easy for the amateur,

will be encountered.

throughout.

from

be

building.

is reasonably

sheer are the same

and

canvas-covered

type of boat requires

in canoe

complications

hulls,

lends

was also prac-

the strakes

or v-bottomed
hulls, and I have
I have seen a number
of 65-foot

in the Harkers

old-fashioned

but this lightweight

planking

resulting

that

Strip planking
can be used to build either round
even seen strip-planked
trunk cabin sides. In Florida
passenger-carrying

(Strip

but the fits between

dimension

for this, just

of design.
in width

from

just

keel to

they will not be by

than just nailing

one
that when the girths

as with carve1 planking.

but they are usually

up to a width

at least

l/z M

of one and one-

is an advantage
to using square strips, and that is it
expansion
and contraction
gives the chance to select the best grain. Due LO the natural
of wood, the strips are best laid with the grain running
in the direction shown in Figure

PLANKING

147

Fi.gure 11-13. Strik plcmkin~ ridails

1 l- 13C. lhickness
hull without
stiff enough
Sections
vature

through

regulates

Note

is governed

by the shape

strip

planking

the amount

the open seams

around

the turn

the greater

the relative

one edge

and

the other

round

are drawn

of beveling

the boat.

of sorts for doing

radial
The
strips.
not

this by hand,

saw. Thr

length

should

be glued

length

of thi

lhc

choicr

matter.

either

choice.
mon

When

wire nails,

ing and

strips

must

of metal
Moncl

getting

to eliminate

number

of nails

beveling.

they must

or the cutting
should

be about

for the nails

Anchorfast

down

because

to be reckoned

on the workbench.
sltould

The

be seen

to pennies,
be just

with.

can

strips.

be about

be

of cur1 l-13A.

The smaller

builders

hollow

ll-13B.)

You can make

be done

on the

amount

in Figure

Some

(See Figure

be scarphed.

on a bench

five times

a miter

box

saw or with a

the strip

thickness.

not on the boat.

two and one-quarter

is largely

a matter

or Stronghold

they are buried

should

I 1.13.

as can

bend

the strips must

of the bilge on the unbeveled

of the scarph

nails

in Figure

required,

curvature

If the strips are not long enough,

Scarphs

of the hull---the

coming close to breaking.

At the other end of the scale,
to remain
fair when sprung to the shapr of the hull.

silicon

it is all right

bronze

not exposed

to clamp

the width

of economics.
nails

to use hot-dipped

in the wood,
sufficient

times

If cost does
are the first

galvanized
to water.

the strips

of the

com-

The spac-

tightly

in place

while the adhesive cures. Nail heads are set slightly below the surface of the wood with
a nail set. Some like to drive the nails at an angle to the strip for a locking action. If the
hull
should

mold

contains

be fastened

bulkheads
to such

or other

a member

permanent
with

a nail

Before epoxy resins became available,

resorcinol
strip planking.
Resorcinol
is a very good adhesive;

framing,

every

other

strip

or so

or screw.
glue was used between the edges of
however, it needs pressure during

~~~~;~~

148

PLANKING

curing

time

and

is not noted

for its ability

to fill gaps.
but
fastenings,

cient pressure
possible
from the
strakes of planking
must be pretty
which

there are epoxies,

added,
thickening

nail
close or the resorcinol

do not

the adhesive

In strip planking
the fits between

need

much

so it wont

will run out of the seam.

pressure,
run

out

there is suffithe adjacent

and

to which

of the joint

a filler

Now

can

be

if the fit is less than

perfect.
There

are options

strip planking.
be needed
the

when it comes

The edge-fastened

normally

frames

for the same

might

to setting

up a mold

skin is so stiff that

be omitted

thickness

over which

the number

carve1 planking
with

altogether,

the

to build

a hull with

of frames

that would

is drastically

hull

planked

reduced.

over

Or

temporary

transverse
molds of suitable number
to shape the hull. Bulkheads
and a few frames, if
needed, can be added to the structure
later, or bulkheads
can be part of the setup and
left in the hull.

The

hull is best built

best set up in a building

enough

off the floor

with plenty
that

there

right

side up, unless

of overhead

is a minimum

it is to be quite

clearance

large,

and is

so that the keel can be high

of working

in a stooped

position.

Some of the best strip planking

workmanship
ever turned
out was done by Ralph
Wiley in his yard on the eastern shore of Maryland.
A few of his strip-planked
deepkeel sailboats

that

parallel-sided
where Wiley

strips extended
from the sheer and ran to well below the waterline,
then tapered
the strakes suitably
and worked
the edges to bevels for

perfect

glue

advance
would
much

I saw were planked

fits. The

to determine
take

over.

of a job

Before
simple
eliminates

used

tapering.

Figure 11-14.

where

was, of course,
the

In my opinion,

for the first attempt

tapering
form

planking

frightens
by Fred
Referring

with mahogany

unduly.
Bates,

tapering
beveled

strips

started

would
strip

about

1% 0 square.

The

at the keel and was planned

stop

and

planking

the parallel-sided

thicker

than

in

strips

/R is just

too

by the amateur.
let us look at a layout
designer-builder

10 A in Figure

for strip

of Damariscotta,

II- 14. planking

planking

hulls of

Maine,

strips are laid starting

that
at

149

PLANKING
the keel and are temporarily
equal

to a number

a tine

is drawn
marked

manently

replaced

parallel-sided

for exact

scrap

the strip

:d N plywood,

strips

they started

for keeping
varying

and

a distance

or mold,

the points.

The

cut to the tine,

The remainder

the strips
clamps

the depth

of Rhodes-designed

with rounded

and

at the keel and

another

version

and

strips

and

are

are per-

of the hull is planked

of planking

sketched

aligned

in Figure

with

while nailing.

11-13.

L, with a slot width

pearance

as one looked

Plywood

Planking

planking
into

fact that a hull is v-bottomed

with

plywood:

These

of slightly

He

are cut

more

than

can

design.!d

There

as indicated

I have

seen

arrangement

Lakes yard using

of the strips;

in Figure

II-14B.

was a method

resulted

does not automatically

be bent

for

by a Great

was no tapering

where

hull

in a herringbone

ap-

the hull.

only be used to plank

of vessels

that

This strake

The

thus should

were built

edges.

ran out at the sheer,

down

plywood

sailboats

hollowed

of strip

were laid on diagonally.

tions

through

removed

Then

frame

to the sheer.

or so of the horseshoe

A good number

strips

a batten

then

fastened.

the sheer at each

thickness.

parallel
Still

by springing

with glue and fastenings.

strips

a dozen

not permanently

is laid off from

location,

has a good scheme

makes
from

widths

on the strips

carefully

Fred

held in place,

of strip

without

hulls designed

plywood

mean

distortion

that

it can be planked

in only one axis at a time and

with its limitations

construction

generally

in mind.

consist

The sec-

of developable

curves that consist of portions

of cylinders
and cones. It should not go uncurves
noted that experienced
builders
have succeeded
where theory dictates the impossible.
However.
that

the methods

you should

plywood

used just about

review the plans

defy written

description.

of your boat carefully

before

Suffice
deciding

it to say then,
to plank

it with

panels.

Plywood is a stiff material:

with conventional
wooden

therefore,
planking
thickness
planking.
Also an advantage

can be less than it would be

is its ability
to cover large

areas quickly. Often, standard

plywood panels wit! be too short for you to plank in one
panel from bow to stern. If so, either special panels must be ordered or else the regular
panels

must

be butted

are generally
and

made

well fastened

White

being

it in place.
frames,
there
can

Some
planked

apply

many.

invisible

builders
hull,

should

Work
with

there

be detailed

should

be fastened

on the plans.

be waterproof

with just enough

the panel

marine

and then,

or waterproof

on again,

again

of the glue,

drive

glued

of the panel
below

instead

surfacing
of solid

is considerable

screws to hold

depending
to chines,

a few screws

the remaining

from the middle

slightly

glue

with just

the heads
marine

use plywood

even when

should

The joints

remove

either

because

and countersinking

which

blocks.

or rivets.

the plywood

as fast as possible

be made

butt

the tit is satisfactory,

and bend

are a great

for screws

These joints,

the plywood

for the boat,

etc.,

Working

wiih screws

fitied,

When

specifications

end to end.
with good-size

toward

the surface

on the
rabbet,

to hold it.

screws,

of which

the ends,

drilling

of the panel

so they

putty.
lumber

for the inner

curvature.

They

layer

apply

of a doubte-

the plywood

in

150

PL.4NKING

pieces as large
planking

as will bend

on the hull and in this way save labor over the usual

doubte-

method.

Cold-molding
A cold-molded

hull consists

boats)

bonded

skin.

or strips
Generally,

centerline

the first layer

to the second,

as many

White

as five layers

sometimes

removed

modern

Although

method

which

are

build

the glue

the

As noted

usually

consists

and

spaced

part of the hull:

mold.

ribbands.

down,

and

shell is lifted

which are

on adhesives,

a skin
Another

method

and structural

membc~rs,

framework

are laid on diagonally.

and

then

successive

has definite

layers

for particular

mind.

specifications

with the intended

In the last decade,

tific research
to specify

the cold-molding

and developmem.

hull construction

The end result

srantlings

Whatever

the method

planking,

or if desired.

desired

rhickness.

needed

to construct

heightened
materials.
the epoxies.
that

with strength-to-wright

Thus,

Tied

way,

a wooden
because

closely

of cold-molded

it is possible

the
hull

hull

be built

construction

by the traditional

high quality

is easier

the dimensional

ratios

beyond

to build

his ability

attractions.

that

Brothers.

who

A hull

built

of the stiffness

of the laminated

by laminating

the hull

entails

lighter

work

method.

Tht

interest

of the superb

adhesives,

a tough.

with other

in

scien-

approaching

when working

stability

arc

have been able

to achieve

hulls can be fiberglassed

for the amateur

been

can

there

of much

of Gougcon
System.

has several

very tight because

to this is the availability

To cap it all off,

have

cold-molding

a very stiff hull

Either

for many

the outside

otherwise

chosen.

skin can be built

a skeletal

and its purpose

that desi,gners

of aluminum.
The leader in this field has been the firm
devclopc~tt the WEST (Wood Epoxy Saturation
Technique)
with a cold-motded

such

method

and

has been the subject

has been

of planking
layers. and the
The designer
draws up his

vessels size, its shape,

process

over

applications,

variations
within each method as to skin thickness,
number
number
and weight of internal
strengthening
members.
construction

Stilt another

is strip-planked

of planking

advantages

is to

does not become

as necessary.

method

(some of

plug or a form

as bulkheads
and transverse
frames,
are installed
combines
thcsc two: the first layer of planking
Each

a skeletal

forms

a strip-planked

off the form,

by various

over

transverse

structure

the

temperatures,

they can be built

In this case, the supporting

the finished

thickness.

stringers.

may be either

at

some-

up the desired

is to laminate

longitudinal

which

the third

nails or screws,
up at room

of some sort of backbone,

frames)

on a male

upside

amateurs

--set

to the

specifications,

in the section

epoxies

are built

by most

with staples,

a stiff, strong

45 degrees

to the first.

architects

are used to build

sets up.

hulls

used

bulkheads

up a hull

with closely

at 90 degrees

are secured

as x6 for small

to form

at about

layer

glues

all cold-molded
The

framework,

strakes

(as thin

adhesive

upon

resorcinots
and
for the term cold-molding.

thus the reason

methods.

the second

of thin

veneers

is laid up diagonally

Depending

the strakes

after

waterproof

layers of thin
with a waterproof

of strips

etc.

the glue is curing,

which

other

of the mo!d or frame,

90 degrees
times

of multiple

to each

of laminated
for protection

strong,
methods.

tong-lived

up to a

than

that

has been
with light

particularly

planking

means

from abrasion.
hull that might

>,*,
@
*

4
.

15 1

PLANKING

t l-15.

Figure

l~rrllrhfwtls,

tiowever,

ihv

although

is childs

tht:rr

is no substitute

it

lofted,

great

of spiling

one another.

molded

boar,

meaning
prove

and

a huitdcr

tricky

a [rue and sturdy

to bc done

Indeed,
must

depending
to build:

upon

There
by John
learned
by those

about

o/

the details

with a great

deal

mfdds,

The tines must stilt

be constructed.

between

curves

under
These

Gougcon

of cold-molding
of experience

hulls

should

Recommended
are Moduw

Brothers
from
wirh

on Boat
these

tightly

and perhaps as many

some hI1tt shaprs can
amount
not

Yacht

Construclion.
which

of trouble,

be attempted

Reading

Wocldrn

books.

is stilt a

to butt

that, to build a cotdroutine

for each layer,

seem to give a great

that such
craftsman.

There

the planks

but at least three

of layers. In addition,

the number

length.

Thr

and

must

not just once.

books listed

at considerable

Guzzwrtt

11 /irlnrcwork
t~rrz:u~fdl.)

some professionals
have opined
go through
a complete
planking

hulls with reverse

are two excellent

mold

to get the joints

and onr professional

builder
has stated
anyone
less than a realty skilled, patient
cold-molding

If,

SWIII to the amateur

that laminating
up a hull of thin
to bending
frames and spiting and cutting out planks,

that thy hull is ptankrd

as five times.

rlpp/ivd

for skill and care in any facet of boatbuilding.

be accurately
against

hvltrfi

(I~~lf~lf~ f~orcrtf~sy o/,/ohli

might
play compared

strips

amount

.$kor

/irst

ccrrrl .strrugf*r.s.

that

by

deal with

Construction
Much

can

be

have been written

this type of construction.

PLANKING

152

Figure 11-16.

Diagonal

Planking

Although

it predates

similar

cold-molding

to cold-molding.

the planking

layers

In fact,

instrad

done,

it can bc considered

is that

it employs

two layers
mostly

strakes

of planking.

less severe

fastened

to a framework
a fever

of diagonal

angle

to the keel and

keel or sheer
Toward

clamp,

thr topsides

as long

The

second

with screws
tween
clout

tends

nails

tenings

is glued

must

between

the framing

over the heads

planking

is smoothed

When
can

or nails

this method
that

each

is used

strake

en-

is generally
frames

(or

with longitu-

and can be seen to be

of uniform

width,

glued

as the convergence
too much

approximately

chine, and

to frames,

also being

to one another.
of the bottom

out of parallel
into line;

and

with those

the angle is not

frames.
is also edge-glued

and frames.
and

planking

To provide
outer

strakes

be wood screws

on the outside

by sanding.

screws

of the planks

of the inner

are then countersunk.

puttying

and

be tapered.

clamps.

of only

The first layer is laid up at a 45-degree

of the strakes

cross several

consists

together

11-16,

back

as was formerly
it a bit different

and transverse

or bulkheads

is made

glue

agent
makes

The planking

clamps,

frames

to the first and

the intersections

hulls.

material

the planks

to the keel, chines,

frames,

in shape

in Figure

the angle

brings

as the planks
layer

thickness,

planking

with

with the edges

IO change

Tapering

strake

is very

glue between

that it often

the change

the size of the hull.

is secured

and

planking

waterproof

is shown

The

the bow, the planks

amidships.
critical,

upon

veneers

of keel, chines,

planking

diagonal

using
What

on round-bottomed

of transverse

of cold-molding.

depending

than

where

consisting
number

similar

to 4 wide,

time,

now.

in a waterproofing

of the greater

than

dinals).
The scheme
to that

soaked

are thicker

Because

is much

in some cases,

of fabric

powerboats,

counters

some

to br a form of cold-molding.
that

on v-bottomed

by quite
as it is practiced

of the hull.

driven
After

strakes

and fastened
clamping

pressure

are clout

nailed.

are 5/H
* thick or more,
from

in place

the inside

the adhesive

beThe

the fas-

to eliminate

has cured,

the

Chapter

12

DECK FRAMING

The

decking

of a boat

is laid on transverse

beams,

which

not only provide

the deck but also help to hold the sides of the hull together.
tant

in all boats designed

to be decked,

powerboats
and sailboats
that are
strength
to do without
the stiffening
hulls

the thwarts

do double

duty

especially

The

in sailboats.

latter

support

aspect

The many

for

is impor.

types of small

not decked
must be designed
to have enough
that the deck structure
provides.
In many such

as hull

stiffening.

Clamps and Shelves

The

deck

beams

contribute

heads

member

is generally
clamp

it instead

craft,

with

screws

screws through

the clamps

edges

boats they are fastened

is fitted

as the clamp,

landing

and

area for the beam

toward
should

beams

of fastenings
between

lengths,

a pitch

are used as fastenings,

Bolts have the extra

concentration

located

or deck shelf,

material

a greater

In small

to the hull if they are to

to the clamp

in size, an additional

on each side of the boat.

its position
ends,

stif-

The shelf

on the flat against

which

are fastened

the

through

of the clamp.

used.

single

of them.

connected

12-1A and B). As hulls increase

a shelf.

of the same

In small
whereas

required
(Figure

callrd

provides

always

be of good size and strongly

the strength

and the frame

fening

must

when

advantage

are not accessible

in the vicinity

frames.

(See Figure

necessary,

be planed

to fit snugly

against

to the camber

once the boat is decked.

of the deck
pieces

The inner

vessels through-bolts

able to be tightened

12- 1.) They

or, in several

the ends of the boat.

corresponding

but in larger
of being

beams,

shelves

are sprung

joined

the clamps.
of the deck

by scarphs,
The

beams

To lessen the
are fastened

in place

edges may be left square,

shelves
so that

are

if necessary,

on edge

to
in

with the joints

but the outer
must

be fitted

the beams

will
153

154

DECKFRAMlh'G

-M

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lee sceEv.5,+.J
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CDL*5-e. C~cd)

DECK
CLAMP

4 SHELF
DECK BEAll

KIT+
KiTi

CLAMP

Figure 12-l.
bear on the shelves
few deck

beams

When

the

found

best way to get the bevel

is to temporarily

may

few feet,

of the shelves

and

great

The

so the bevels

edges

clamp

having

shelf

strength

are

be measured

can

bolted

and

then
together,

stiffness.

every

be planed
they

form

Such structural

be fastened

breasthook,

which

hook is often
good

sawn

a connection

(Figure

12-3A).

out of a natural
is a piece
assemblies

this connection

and bolted
underside

in place
must

wood

of oak

crook,

laid

join one another

a curved

have the proper

mold

loftsman

either

plate

knees,

the transom
and

and

AICE

FeOM

For a flat

are sawn from crooks

cross framing

is more difficult.

fit the transom

5tEi.F

curve

BE&L

CLAMP
4

0A
LOCATI&
m AGREE

Figure 12-2.

0E,w
H~YQER
WITH CAMBER

l3Eb~L Old OUrEi2

OF SHELF

EDGE

at the
In this
as well.

of the deck

PLAt45
CLAMP

Just as

through-bolted

CiAMP
&EAM cc
BEAM
MOLD
TtMlWLAClLy
TU MEASVeE
5~IELF
BEVELAT 5TATlOd5

rs

The

way is also suitable.

who can work out the intersection

CUT OFF
SHOWIJ

with

to them.

via the transom.

which

the connection

camber

the twosides

of oak or hackmatack.

at the stern

and against

transom,
deck

and bolted

used the same

of quarter

are, of course,

out of them,

the shelves

(See

angle-shaped

members

on top of the shelves

or metal

takes the form

With

you are a skilled

FPAMCS
AS

between

a single

angle.

At the bow this is done

of the boat.

on top of the shelves

of the deck.

case the knees

at the ends

A piece of plywood

The shelf/clamp
transom,

together

is a knee of sorts fitted

set a

or at least at

to the proper

on both sides of a vessel, and to get every bit of benefit

should

Unless

width.

in place

every station.
The
Figure 12-2A.)
member

entire

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4

156

DECK

FRAMING

5ET

I. D,,,de AB A:( c17 r-o A~J*Ico~~s.

STEP Z cl, ,i Al, C-D c-c mo*e *se
35 sbwr and dmr. ~ornkr wr,e yr(+r
0 m*+en.

II410CL~ OF c&.K~~Z-,

Figure 12-4.

and

transom

on the floor,

The plan
boat.

view shape

The

shape

deck beams

of the top edge

on each

edge just touching

each

time

of the knees

side of the centerline,

the inside

these

is clamped;

by the cut-and-try

on the deck framing

is best obtained

method.
plan

for the

on the boat.

Install

at intervals

of three

of the transom

and

clamp

on top of the beams,

of the transom.

the batten

pieces

as it is shown

for thr* five or six feet ahead

four inches
batten

it is best to make

is easy to obtain,

a batten

Mark the transom

a line through

at the underside

the marks

the
or

its aft
of the

will represent

the

underside
of the decking as well as the top curve of the quarter
knees. The battens can
also be used to measure the bevel needed for the aft edges of the knees. Shaped as they
are in every

Deck
The

dimension,

these

pieces

are really

quite

a job

for the amateur.

Beams
deck

beams

bility

are desired,

beam

at each

will quickly

should

be made

and of spruce

frame,

and they should

shed any water

cessive,

the beams

curved

grains

of oak or ash where

where

that

lightness

be cambered,

comes

aboard.

can be sawn to shape,

are obtainable.

When

there

maximum

is a consideration.
both

Where

an especially
is severe

strength

and

There

should

for strength

the camber
good

camber,

method

durabe a

and so the deck

is not unusually
when

boards

such as is often

exwith

found

in

DECK

tops, the beams

cabin
bent

to approximate

has much

merit

can either
form

because

and

be steam-bent

to shape,

then sawn exactly

of the resulting

or over-width

to shape.

strength

FRAMING;

Another

157

stock can be

method,

of the deck beams,

one that

is to laminate

the

glue. Beam construction

beams of three or more pieces over a form, using waterproof
is shown in Figure 12-4A. Most of the beams will have the same siding, but at hatches,
mast

partners,

percent

and the ends of cabin

than

the t,egular

beams.

trunks,

the beams

(See Figure

should

be heavier

by about

75

12-3.)

Although
it is customary
to represent
the beams and frames on the plans in the
manner
shown in Figure 12-3, Figure 12-3E shows that the beams must be beveled to
fit against

the frame

planking,

which

combination

heads.

curves

This is because

toward

of deck camber

the frames

the centerline

and flaring

are twisted

toward

hull sections,

must

sometimes

be cut away so the beams

This

is sketched

in Figure

will land

to lie flat against

the ends

of the boat.

the inboard

corner

on a flat surface

the

Due to a

of the clamp

instead

of a point.

12-3F.

Deck Beam Camber

The

amount

depth

of camber

of curve

is given

of so many

beam.

To make

Figure

12-4B is followed,

method
and

shown

should
length

when

you run

method,

three
and

a beam

or the camber

into

a cabin

straight-edged

are

at the
battens,

driven
center

longer

placed snugly against the nails

the angle between
the battens.
batten

assembly

always

holding

from

each

than

in Figure

is needed,

beam

beam

the

with

12-48

board,

one

and very useful

camber.

at each

end

at the top of the

the required

beam

in

mechanical

is self-explanatory

but C is faster
has a different

length

procrdure

thr

In this

of thr

arc.

beam

Then

two

by at least two feet,

are

as shown and tacked together

rigidly enough to hold
The camber
curve can then be drawn by sliding the

the centerline

the battens

shown

in the pattern
of the

as it is called,

bc laid out easily

curve

top where

each

mold

may

The method

only one camber

nails

one

12.4C.

or in the specifications
and is stated as a
using the length of the longest
length,

for a given
or a beam

pattern,

in Figure

is suitable

on the plans

inches

to one

in contact

with

end

of the beam

the nails

and

then

to the other,

at the ends.

Half Beams and Headers

At the sides of deck
beams.

The

opening

fore-and-aft
Figure
practice
shown

12-1A.

The

into

is still followed

today,
The

the strong

springing
the header
Figure 12-2B.)
In powerboats

and

always

must

is to make

beams,

then

to its planned
small

sailboats

mentioned

the half

a couple

the header

dimensions
with

very

from

previously
fastened

beams,

and

clamp

up to the mold.

side

and

the

as shown
although

in
this

with the camber

molds,

the centerline

narrow

half

by the easier method

to coincide

of beam

are termed

and

is more often made

be elevated

pull

12-3) and

are notched

dovetailed

the connection

(Figure

beams

the half beams

headers

and the procedure

are short

by the strong

which

old-timers

in the sketches.
between

the beams

is bounded

headers

the beams,
space

openings

decks,

them

of

in the

all the while

of the boat.

(See

the normal

half

158

Db:CK

beams

E;RAMI,YG

are sometimes

case is simply
heads.

on which

for the length

(See Figure

replaced

a filler

piece

by a shelf fitted
as thick

is laid the decking

of the narrow

When

consists

is stiffened
(Figure

between

header
These

with

12-3C).
and

knees in the derk

masts.

the usual

beams,

The shelf in this

notched

around

the frame

board.

This kind of shelf extends

clamp

being

fitted

only

from bow to stern.

12-3D.)

the decking

headers

or a covering

side deck,

Deck Tie Rods and Lodging

framing

on top of the clamp.

as the deck

of planks
tie rods

These

half

frame

knees

Knees
rather

beams.

to provide

additional

strength

of plywood,

heads

stiffening

the deck

or clamps

there

at ends of large

hackmatack
They

pieces

frame

and

the

also take some of the load off the connections

For

are sawn from

large

between

fastenings

conform
with the deck camber.
clamp. (SPP Figure 12-3.)

than

running

openings

or oak crooks

are bolted

or riveted

may

be lodging

in the deck or at

and are planed

to the beams

on top to

and shelf or

Deck Blocking
Wherever
blocks
wood

there

fitted

are fittings

between

on deck

the beams

for the fastenings

to bear

such

as cleats

and

tackle

blocks,

there

to take through-fastenings.

The

the load to the beams

they distribute

provide

I he case of shearing
forces, and over a greater area of decking when upward
encountered.
The blocks can be of oak. mahogany,
or plywood and should
on

top

to conform

Whenever
bolts.

to the

possible

Blocks

deck

the blocks

arp shown

be

against,

and

blocks

should

camber

are

best

in the deck

and

sawn

to a tight

if through-fastened

framing.

12-3.

12-3 is for a sloop

having

in

strains are
be planed

fit between

to the beams

Figure

more

beams.
with

long

Mast Partners
The deck

framing

the cabin

trunk,

beams.

These

plan

in Figure

the top of which

blocks

they are fitted,

are always

has large

as thick

and they are always

blocks

called

as the depth

made

should

be coated

serves to keep

Haqging

large
with thick

out water

deck

frame

of hardwood

white

should

lead

there

surfaces.
or other

mast

partners

such
bedding

and

as blocking

between

between

through-bolted.

mast partners,

through

fitted

of the deck beams

plcmentary
sketrh, Figure 12-3G, shows a set of typical
in thr trunk top or the main deck.
All comparatively

its mast stepped

which

The sup.

whether

located

or lodging

knees,

as the decking

is laid.

This

be a leak in the vicinity.

Knees

The forces exerted

a manner
similar

on a boat by seas and by masts in sailboats

work to collapse
to the way that a packing
box from which the ends have

a hull in
been re-

DECti

FRAMING

159

+iAC<MATACk.
P

OArC

HANCLING

KdEE5

tNEE.5

Figure 12-5.

movt-d

collapses

at thr

deck

when

corner

a man

and

stands

on it. These

are only one of the

forces

reasons

try to hinge

the hull structure

why properly

sized

and

located

fastenings
are important
if long hull life is to be expected.
Brackets
called hanging
knees are fitted for resisting such sideways strains.
Like lodging knees, they are made
of natural
Metal,

crook

oak

in the form

or hackmatack

of flanged

kners

and has the advantage

knees

are grnrrally

and

plates,

are

plates

and

of not splitting

Figure

ners of a sloop having

and singly

12 5 shows typical

its mast

stepped

angles,

insofar

or castings,

wooden

through

at the ends

hanging

the cabin

as possible.

is often

with age as wood is liable

used in pairs at the masts

long deck openings.

through-fastened

used for

to do. Hanging
and midlength

knees

of

at the mast part-

trunk.

Modern Construction
The

quarter

traditional

knees,

lodging

construction.

a reasonable

price

niques

Maine

flanged

plates.

of hanging

hanging

be realized

to Woodr~z~onf
that

that can eliminate

can be laminated

knees.

described

earlier
them

magazine,

there

are modern

Morse,

materials

of wood or plywood

in

and then to pay

the need for traditional

sup-

Cherryand

tech-

crook knees
or be made

not be used at all due to the enormous

a well-fitted
and secure plywood
secured plywood interior joiner

are used

a longtime

in late 1979. He is Frank

craft

Or. knees need

knees

with such knees is to find

(According

Knees

provided
by modern
materials:
of lodging knees, and properly
the place

problem

It should

for small

hackmatack.

metal

and

knees was still in business

04622.)

available

of oak and

The

for them.

plier of hackmatack
field,

knees,

of

stiffening

deck can do the work

bulkheads
often take

160

DECKFRAMING

In any
details

case,

be guided

of the structure

by the

plans

labor savings.
If there are a number

of bulkheads

common

cruisers

in many

consisting

of two layers

heads

and

beams

or

areas.

power

partitions
longitudinals

with

a minimum
where

when

panel

The- designer

material

and full-height

packed

of plywood

boat.

for your

in way of masts

joiner

full of cabins,

glued

together

of other

it is necessary

deck

partitions

head

can

the

in

enclosures,

be supported

framing-

to reduce

should

provide

is used for weight

just
span

hull,

etc.,

and
as is

a deck

by these bulka few transverse

of unsupported

-DECKING

In general,

there

first,

can be the lightest,

whirh

it watertight

are really

only two basic

kinds

of decking

consists of a wooden
rot. Where the materials

and minimize

for a wooden

deck covered
are available.

boat.

with fabric
it is logical

The

to make
to make

such a deck of waterproof

plywood and cover
ing, one still used in areas like the Caribbean

it with fiberglass cloth. A cheaper dcckislands, is made of tongur-and-groovr-

type boards,

sometimes

deck.

The

enough

sometimes
other

covered

type of deck

to be caulked

with canvas,
is the so-called

for watcartightness.

not:

the latter

laid deck made

And

then

there

Depending
smallest
tightness.
tion

upon

your

or aesthetic.
boats

viewpoint,

Regardless

the deck

serves

Both these aspects

each

type

of the decking
the double

contribute

of deck
chosen,

purpose

to safety,

strakes

are variations

(The builder of a boat with a fiberglass hull might opt for a lightweight
having fiberglass skins over an end-grain
balsa or foam core.)
economic

is a short-lived

of narrow

has

an

sandwich

advantage.

remember

of providing
the latter

thick

of both types.
deck
either

that in all but the

strength

to comfort

and

water-

and rot preven-

as well.

Tongue-and-Groove

Deck

Tongue-and-groove

boards

material,

anywhere

from

make

an

4to 6, permits

inexpensive

deck

because

the deck to be quickly

the

built,

width

of the

with the boards

parallel
to the centerline
of the boat as in Figure IS-IA.
Very often these decks are
made of non-durable
material,
unseasoned
in the first place, and quick to rot if the
deck

covering

leaks.

tongue-and-groove
groove

tends

The

straight-run

construction

to warp

between

deck

is not

has the disadvantage

the fastenings

(Figure

as strong
that

as other

the thin

13- 1 B). The

types

upper

and

the

edge of the

only covering

for a
161

162

DECKING

-%.ac~
BeT*CCr
UkDEP
BUT--

rEC&
*i 3CCu.

9EA.4,
kc%

TOriGjE
~__

tongut~-and-grnovc~

deck of wide boards

in the air is old-fashioned

as ridges

and

canvas

the canvas

that

duck.

will come

The groove

life is shortened

ends must

be well fastened,

Instead,

planking

the ends

butt

these

leak.

have

Better

still are bronze

in time

Strip-Built

Deck

strip-built

and suitable
perhaps just
sprung

upward

wood screws are much

and

The

between

decks are fastened

a way of working

A tongue-and-groove
cost.

along

the canvas

the ridges.

to make

the deck

such a butt

beams

to blocks

and
the

on a deck
similar

to

blocks.

Calvanizcd

drive.

shows through

there must be joints in the decking,

For strength
and to prevent curling,

it is not practical

are fastened

Most tongue-and-groove
age,

and

and go easily with the moisture

warping

by wearing

Unless the boards are laid in single lengths,

these should be scattered
as much as possible.
butt

DE&K

SrEieP-p,f~L
C>ECh
*.PltJL
,P
5-3
-~
.
..--11\
7
\+..
ml!
h,
.VCP
.
BLOC*
\,-neo
*3-,.

Figure

beam.

4 GPOOVE

threaded

deck really

even

with common

and
better

poking
and

galvanized

holes

nails,

in the canvas,

are inexpcnaivr,

and with
making

it

but cost more

to

nails.
cloes not have much

to recommend

it except

low

this is doubtful.

type of decking

shown

in Figure

13.IC

is strong,

rather

quickly

laid,

when the deck is *c, thick or better. The strakes are usually square,
or
a little wider than their thickness,
and for maximum
rigidity
they are

to the curve

of the deck edge.

It is best to cut any laid decking

from

rift-sawn

163

DECKING

boards

and

lay it with

shrinking

and

finishing

nails

not exposed
bronze

up,

at many

strakes
as shown

of the wood.

to each

in Figure

of the sheer

13-1D.

Around

strake

If a strip-built

and

of course,

The

deck

because

the

practice

the edge of the deck,

is built

Figure

4-3.)

of

Galvanized

they are hidden

nonferrous

and

Monel

or

all misgivings.

between

It is good

will be a minimum

(See

can substitute

eliminate

other

of planking.

deck

deck.

are satisfactory

the cost and

are fastened

beams

of the

The fastidious,

times

for this way there

the width

are used for fastening

surface
edge

across

to sea water.

nails

The

the edge-grain

swelling

beams

and

toenailed

to set the nails

the outermost
is planed

with waterproof-glued

slightly

below

strip is fastened

off smooth

seams

to the

when

the

to the

finished.

like a strip-planked

hull

(Chapter
ll), it will be enormously
strong if the seams are fitted reasonably
tight.
After being planed smooth and sanded,
such a deck can either be painted
or covered
with

light

fiberglass

Plywood

cloth

and

painted.

Deck

A main

deck or cabin

rangement

top of marine

of the pieces

strength

for the deck

openings

and

in the deck

must

for hatches,

In the previous

under

the deck at openings

the same

waste

cockpit,

chapter,

and

is strong,

light,

be planned

for minimum

available.
Following

plywood

of plywood

panels
tioned.

then

of material,

and

cabin,

taking

into

horizontal

racking

tions

are not

because
The
with

as important

this adds
deck

panels

rlosrly

if thr

considerably
should

spaced

fastened

plywood

be fastened
screws

A well-fitted
staples

plywood
staples.

driven

underneath.

glued

Joint

to the deck

the edges

and

threaded

along
nails.

to the deck framing

I,$ thick

by compressed-air-powered

the deck

beams

Countersink

can

staplers.

can be fastened

be fastened
The

coating

with

coated

increases

ficult

and sheer

might

or even impossible.

to the surface,

Canvas Covering

which

the deck

be done
should

by using

in a single
that

the flat panels

a double

be waterproof

thickness

thickness,

glued

with
Monet

the staples

either

oak.
due

very dif-

will not conform

such as two layers

together

to provide

of

the most

Decks

Plywood

is best covered

and

decks

laid

laying

As soon as it is obvious

the job must

% or x plywood,
st rengt 4.

economics--

make

the
putty,

holding
power so it is just about impossible
to withdraw
these staples from whitr
When a plywood deck is specified to be :?$ R in thickness or more, the curvature
to camber

loca-

beams,

and cover them over with a surfacing

with fiberglass
cloth and resin.

glued

up to

The butts should

the beams whrrr

strength.

or annularly

deck properly

Plywood

block

is waterproof

around

fastening
heads slightly below the surface
non-oil
base if the deck is to be covered
non-ferrous

to a butt

to the horizontal

flat-head

knees

was mcn-

the plywood should be cut so scams do not come

reasoning.

br sccurety scirw

ends can

the size of the

of lodging

at the ends of large openings

in the drck as shown in Figure 13-2.
overlap as shown in thP skctrh. and joints should be located bctwern
the panel

maximum

consideration

with

in construction

to minimize

laid. The ar-

to provide

together

the function

at masts

and quickly

with care

being

canvas

with fiberglass,
covered

covering

with
of decks

but inasmuch

canvas

as I recently

in the Caribbean-~

is still worthy

of mention.

saw both

;)robabiy

plywood

because

of

_I\I
in- -I-

164

DECKING

FAGi
CANVAS

r eATTeN
-,_ /___-1.,.,-Ccl

Fi0EeGLA55,

FlBEtZqLA55

JR

TOtiirLJE

ifn

lUTED

ob?

~.-~
V4PNGED)

COPAMOk,
At&
I
I

t3EaMr -l-o
OF DECICZ -I

ml4

FtBCKGLAS5

062

4 GE% -5.

0LOCF.l
RETIGEEN
SurrJar
eDG5

DECK

PLANICSHEEEZ

.\

PLnuwLFuEER

-,

COVEk3ZD

cCn.,VAS

C4NdA5 JR

l-rvjoJD

WlTCI

oa

_-

____

.AWtchinq

lldil

M&,ODTYPE ~~DEC<

---___----_

- Seun-

THE
,,ECk<
-r\6U\E
bltaY WAtiE
E,TnBa
T,.E
pL.--.
.--cm
-

kc,ITlri
OVTrr
KIT*iLnrE:Y
, 4iED5rEtr.STORLOCL
DECV.IUG
IbTr.2E.d
ECr.RE4W
CTFl?Oh\
pL,bQ,-..o
iAriELS
,h

Figure

13-2.

Canvas

for covering

piece

if possible,

suitable

width

together

so that

should

allowing
cannot

be bought

enough

be had,

there

wide enough

width

to turn

get a sailmaker

will be a seam down

The
cements

weight

of the

for decks

that

canvas

varies

are liable

on the market,

from

8-ounce

it is recommended

be sure the canvas

risk of applying
loose covering.
First stretch
stretched

moist
the

as tight

or other

is clean.

canvas

canvas

that

fore and

as possible,

and

canvas

that

worker

When

fold.

Seams

are shown

boats

to lo-

wear.

Although

you use plain

If a

to sew two strips

of the boat.

for small

to get considerable

deck in one

over the edge of the deck.

with a double

should bc applied
to the deck immediately
paint is smooth so there will be no lumps
reason,

to go over the entire

down

the centerline

use sewn canvas, tack it on the centerline

skctrhcs in Figure 13.2B.
12-ounce

FOPM&h
OMULI
STCEIIGTcl

there

marine

before you lay the canvas.

to show under
the canvas.

unable

to

in the

and

even

are canvas

paint,

which

Make sure the

For the same

Select

a dry day for the laying, or else you run the

in a
will stretch later, when it dries out, resulting
aft
this

along

the centerline.

is at least

a two-man

The
job.

canvas

should

It is better

be
ac-

DECKING

complished
worked

by rolling

on than

edges

of the boat

should

be copper

spaced

in order

After

the ends

and

and

the edges.

tacking

Where

will be turned
When

to hold

the canvas

further

shrink

structures

the canvas

can be added,

an effort

to get a slick, glossy surface,

Tacks

be very closely

from

and hatches,

around

cut it about

idea

to apply

later,

it will start

the first

is to wet the canvas

Do this with a scrubbing

a final coat of deck paint.

4 in-

and beams; it

to the boat.

it is a good

one of the best methods

painting.

sides of

tack it to headers

as they are added

fastened,

opposite
fastened

brush

to
and

one or two more coats of

If too much

to crack early

paint

is applied

in

and will also cause the

to crack.

Covering

Surfaces with Fiberglass Cloth

1 am going
such

by moldings.

is completely

is dry. At any time

flat paint
canvas

for cabin

later

completely

it or not,

then

area can be
down over the

and should
pulling

the canvas

and temporarily

it just before

before

will be hidden

amidships,

until

covers openings

has been

and stretch

the surface

working

it tightly,

deck

Believe

which

more

Pull the canvas

the pressure.

start

stretch

sticks so that

steel or even galvanized,

as you go along

up inside

of flat paint.

paint

it with tacks,

the canvas

around

by just your two hands.

never

or Mone!,
for them

side of the openings,

coat

secure

the ends are fastened,

the boat

of the canvas

can be handled

165

to touch

as plywood

disagreement

only on covering
panels

about

the most dimensionally

or diagonally

covering

planked

t hcsr surfaces:

hulls

should

stable

wooden

(Chapter

structures.

11). There

is often

the cloth be laid on bare wood and

then saturated
with resin, or should the bare wood be coated with resin. and the glass
cloth laid in the tacky resin, smoothed.
and immediately
saturated
with another coat
of resin?

Ask an experienced

applied

covering

There
adherence

that

resin

called

Stable
adhesion

it for use as a putty.

Cabosil

surfaces

such

can

of the wood
decks

If the cabin
should

sides and
be

you know who has

is to be painted,

strengthening

are
and

items

the

also
making

sanded.
smooth,

coamings

method

or two and
in tape

watertight

putty,

a white

the

woodwork

deck

with corstrips.

the cabin,

being

bright,

joinerwork.

the edge

The

primer

are to be finished

in the finished
These

of cloth,

doubling

a fiberglass

is to build
feather

form.

exterior

of

layer
with

sanded

so it is not visible

available

a single

reinforced

installation

the watertight

it for an inch

with

if rough

being
as hatch

before

it with the sander

fabrics

after

for an epoxy

the resin.
boat,

is improved

such

covered

up against

with

of a v-bottomed

surface

the fabric
The

or someone

the wood.

For instance,

can be coveted

are painted

everything
tapering

be mixed

like plywood

as thr chines

Fiberglass
used first.
decks

from

of fastenings
or in cracks must be removed
to bare wood and
material.
A materials
supplier
can sell you powders to mix with

to thicken

powder
ners,

of these materials

seems to be no disagreement
over the fact that epoxy resin has the best
to wood nr over the fact that the wood surface must be clenrr. Any oil-based

putty over the heads

replaced
with another
the

supplier

has not delaminated

etc.,

the

When
and turn

of the covering

by

job.

narrow
joints

strips
that

are great

for

v~ill be painted.

166

DECKING

with

Decks

Planksheer

A very attractive,

old-fashioned

fabric-covered
around

deck

the

edge

planksheer,
scarphs.
lines

Its shape

from

is obtained
and

best to cut the outer

marking

from

the planksheer

is fairly

at the edge
can

of the planking

narrow,

block

(Figure

in either

to shape

of two ways.
run

on the deck,

the edgr

of a fabric-covered

a
and

they are

In some cases where

on edge.
The

The fabric

inner

edge

is

of the

into the groove

tacked,
and the groove filled with a tightly fittt=d batten
of wood
planksheer.
Another
way is to employ a toe rail set al the inner edge of
as shown in Figure 13-2E. The fabric is tacked along the edge and the
13-2F shows the
tened over the fabric with plugged
screws. Figure
mc~thod of finishing

Then

case it is

otherwise

down

with

by the dotted

in which

them

the deck.

the fabric

called

on the underside.

assemble

bent

piece,

is a

board

are joined

as shown

are edge-bolted;

and

13-2D),

This

planksheer,

underneath

it is steamed

of the planksheer

be rabbeted

needed,

deck

covering

segments

on the deck

a batten.
heavy, the joints

the top to a butt

the

it is a tapered

edge on all the pieces

screw fastened

planksheer

unless

colored

13-2C.

and

a board

the edge

for the width,

draw in the tapered

width with
When the deck is sufficiently

stopped

by Figure

-wide boards

by laying

canvas-covered

or contrasting

as illustrated

to shape

line is drawn

of the completely

by a varnished

of the deck,

is sawn

in the figure

parallel

variation

bounded

and

to match
the
the planksheer
toe rail is fasmost common

deck with a half-round

mahogany

or

oak molding.
The outermost
strakc of a stx-ip-built deck is edge fastened
to the planksheer
for support, but the outer cdgcx of a tongue-and-groove
deck would bc sprung downward
if
on brt ween

stepped
canvas

fiberglass

splitting

the edge

deck planks
deck beams.

Caulked
There

where

unsupported,

of the decking.

when,

perhaps

a tongue-and-groove
To prevent

rhey run out at the edges,

to the extent

of tearing

the

deck is not recommended-and

and also to support the ends of the

this,
there

must

be blocks

fitted

between

the

Decks
are IWO types of caulked

too much
wherr

beams
covering

difference,

weight

deck

is important,

decks.

planking
thinner

In larger yachts, where weight does not make

is laid. In smaller
boats,
1 thick and upward

decking

is laid over a sub-deck

of marine

plywood.

A tyllical laid and caulked deck is drawn in Figure 13-3 for a sailboat and
The planksheer
is fitted first as described
struction
also applies to powerboats.
thtsn thy narrow

strakes

are sprung

parallel

for the narrow strakes are twofold:

the narrow material
will not shrink
must be clear

and should

to the edge of the planksheer.

the conbefore;

The reasons

they may bc sprung without too much trouble,

and
and swell much or check. The wood for a laid deck

be in long lengths.

Any joints

are located

so they are quite

far

apart in adjacent
strakes. The wood must be rift sawn so the grain can be laid on edge,
because flat grain will eventually
lift and splintera condition
that is both unsightly
and hard
cedar,

and

on bare
Burma

feet. Suitable
teak.

The

woods
last named

are good

white

is the best and,

pine,

Douglas

fir, Port

like most good things,

Orford
by far

-Raftawn,ckr drcwiog
I-?
PLbtiB3HCLR

ac

SEAM
FOR
rHlOISOL
COMPOUhlD

hJ0CMA.L
SCAM

-GAULIcIdG

od

ALL bWEL
cue
CWE

SEAMS-

~AG~CRED
FASTCdWG5

Uh

6Erc

---_ .--, ._- CA0lhi SIDE J

ICAL
bAiCpE
d-IV

-CAUU&D

SCAMS

Ruti

LAID DECK--

-L--

Figure 13-3.

ObCdcldDER
lD
-YAK?? FA5TEhlldG5
Iti hhS ErlDS

-.
L STCA&S
HERRNG
00dtD
AT
%-rz~P-BUILT
DECK)
BR tJIbbE!D
IIJ-IU
STCAIGW
OR TAPCREO
IdlhJO
PLAhJ<

CL. (sac

168

DECKING

It has a natural

the most expensive.

does not have
bleach

it out to a whitish

equal

oil that seems to make

or painted.

color so that,

Scrubbing

together

the deck everlasting,

with

salt water

and it

in the sun will

with its long life, there is no deck quite

to teak.

Teak
trim

to be varnished

decks

do get dirty

is being

there

used

has been

of them
Until

a flood

do a good

to bevel the edges

sections

the seams.
square

secured,
regular
keeping

to offset

teak

appearance,

put on the market.

up new seam compounds,

to make

The seams were

glue, a preparation

are available

like the one shown

are masked

Most

practice

watertight,

caulked
heated

tape.

with cotton,
and
to make it run for

sealers
After

The seam

that

away after

can be run

the decking

filler

was

as shown

and the excess was scraped

thiokol-based

in the figure.

with

standard

them

13-3.
seam

The seams were over-filled

seams

antiseptic

systems

for caulking

in Figure

was called

seams

but since so much

otherwise

are easy to use.

Now there

the open

their

and treatment

of the deck strakes

the glue hardened.

simple,

boats

got busy making

space was left for what

paying

do not look well if neglected,

of teak cleaners

job and

the chemists

by the enlarged

and

on fiberglass

is then

is laid

applied

in
and

with a

household-type
caulking
gun. Care must be taken to avoid air bubbles
by
the tip of the cartridge
at the root of the seam so it is filled from the bottom

up. The seams are over-filled

and the excess filler is cut off with
after the thiokol has completely
cured a few days after paying.
A 1 /R* or 114 0 thick

deck will have strakes

about

1 W II wide,

about right as the thickness of the decking becomes greater

that
will specify what your architect
wants. It is suggested
listed in the table,

Figure

a very sharp

chisel

and this proportion

is

in larger boats. Your plans

you use flat-head
screws as

6-2. The screws will be countersunk

and plugged

with bungs

of the same wood as the decking,

and due to the size of the plug, there will be room for
just one fastening
at each deck beam. Note in Figure 6-2 that the screw gauge may be
reduced

for decking,

It is noted

1.3-3 that the strakes

deck

into

run under

made

wider,

king plank.

or nibbed

cabin

sides,
Quite

requiring

bing

into
run

out at the sides.

but

are caulked
smooth.

payed;

Planking
conventional
directly

and

laid

deck,

beams.

with

the

the

into

as the taper
plank

the plank

that

entire

surface
of marine

exception

that

way there

like

must

be

It is not desirable

to let deck

next

opening

to the cabin
strakes

are run

the planksheer

is

parallel

as well as the

on some of the nib ends will be

around
ends

at the centerline

Either

the decking

to the eye. When

The decking

of proportions,

this, the strake

You will find

is pleasing
then

as drawn.

is to run the planks

a margin

a laid deck over a sub-deck

to deck

an example

and

and fastening

not only common

may be herringboned
plank

to be nibbed

is needed,

way of decking

too, are straight)

the lengths

the ends

the planksheer

at times.

13-3. Sometimes

a lot of fitting

Still another

sides,

in Figure

bung

to take fastenings.

sides, and to avoid

as drawn

very long.
both

a king

the deck at the centerline

seams

to the cabin

in a smaller

in Figure

the strip-built
blocks under

resulting

straight

fore and

the cabin

(unless

to blocks

the method
planking
of the
plywood

under

the deck where

used in Figure
is complete4,

deck

is planed

is similar

the strakes

aft, nibthe cabin

13-3 is

the seams
and

sanded

to constructing

are not

being

fastened

should be thicker than the plywood sub-deck;

as
would be covered with a 5/gn
a 3/gti fir plywood sub-deck

,pc~

DECKING

thick

teak overlay.

Plugging

the teak to the plywood

the sub-decking
builders

allowing

ttle teak
it to cure,

If the teak strakes

cient

from

for counterboring

holes can be avoided

underneath.

there

cover the plywood

As an alternate,
(without

should

fastening

Pains

be taken

be a leak in the seams of the teak

with lo-ounce
can

be laid

fiberglass
on plywood

of course)-a

are not back-screwed,

and

must

if desired

plugging

screw

messy

cloth

to prevent
laying

with

but effective

the /eWthickness

by back-screwing

strakes.

before

covered

169

rotting

In fact,

of

some

the teak deck.

thiokol

compound

job.

mentioned

holes in the conventional

above
manner.

is suffi-

Chapter

The

14

amount

and

likr

daysailers

boats
have

your

cabin

be done
hull.

of deck joinerwork

will havcb simple

a deckhouse.

work should
built

character

trunk,

carefully

the occasional

cockpit

hatches,
and

paint.

Even

though

it is said

while

larger

yachts

cockpit,
and bulwark
rail. This
regardless
of how well you have

because.

will make

a snap appraisal
of your boat based
too, is necessary,
for
Pr0pf.r maintenant-c*.
woodwork.
peeling varnish, or scarred and

on thr appearancr*
of the deck structures.
nothing
looks wet-se than bare and stained
dirty

Open
might

watertight

neatly

visitor

will vary with the type of boat.

coamings.

that

a book cannot

btb judged

by its cover.

my ad-

\ice is to take a great deal of care when finishing

parts that meet the eye and to keep
them shipshape.
A discussion
about finishing
follows, because the builder must keep
thinking

about

the ultimate

appearance

while

doing

ever);

hit of the exposed

deck

joinerwork.

Finishing

with

Traditionally,

Varnish
the finest

mahogany.

Today,

yachts

for various

had vast areas of varnished

any large

reasons,

areas

deck joinerwork
of varnished

of teak or

fine

woods

are

most likely to he faces of plywood rather than solid lumber,

and hopefully the faces are
of veneers thick enough
to survive a few refinishings
to bare wood. Nowadays,
varnished

wood

lines such
Teak

(brightwork)

as the sheer

and

mahogany

them can be dented

and such a finish
open grain
170

that

is limited

moldings

used

to accent

fore-and-aft

of the hull.
are moderately

by abuse.

Their

hard

natural

takes work to produce

must

to trim

and

initially

he ftlled for a smooth

resistant

appearance,

to scarring,
though,

and to maintain.
Clear, natural

finish.

but

has appeal

either

of

to many,

These woods have an

filler is used for teak,

DECK

while

paste

filler stains

be sanded

of desired

to a perfectly

brushing

consistency,

is spread

time the excess is wiped

after

a little

When
work

and

area

must

ture

a finish

be clean

and

amount

remain

filling:

then

The wood must

i 2 filler,

to dry to a dull

with a fine-grade

thinned

appearance,

abrasive.

you will be proud

while

to

at which

about

what

Repeat

opinionated

kind

people

of varnish

who freely hand

to use. As you become

you, too, may also swear by a particular

of the kind

cleanliness,

absence

for six coats

to show off. The work and

varnishing.

are full of highly

But regardless

the same:

allowed

that

of advice

and more experienced,

of brands.

to the mahoganies.

before

free of dust

and boatyards

out an enormous
more

on and

be sanded

you will have

The waterfront

finish

171

off across the grain with clean cotton waste or rags. This is easy
After a day of drying,
the first coat of varnish can be applied.

practice.

this is dry, it should

or more

color are applied

smooth

JOINERWORK

of varnish

of moisture,

used,

brand,

the essentials

and sanding

or a mix-

of varnishing

in between

coats to kill

the gloss.

Finishing

with Paint

Jy. painting
in Chapter
16. but 1 merely want to point out here
abr..*
...aurni
you may he painting
wood deck joinerwork,
such as Philipinstead of varn:-
fir or Duraply
plywood,
or fiberglass-covered
mahogany
(solid fJr plywood),

There

is a section

th-:.
pine
wood.

For the finest

appearance,

as well as easy to maintain,

nished.

With

because
well.

a paint

finish,

countersinking

This

Use only

a good

to smooth

glaze
coat.

if necessary,
lightly again

again
Sand

Starting
craft
marine

yachts

trade.

hren

available

For the

previous

superior

finish

that

button-bursting

plans

as if it were to be varneed not be plugged,

sand

with a polyester

material

Start

paint.

can be very attractive

that

putty

with an undercoater,

smooth,

apply

apply

a second

depending
tion

glazing

undercoater,

touted

leave

polyurethane

form by several
or so, this high-gloss,

10 years
form

reasonably
will

two-part

in brushable

not at all adaptable

affluent,
the

coatings

for amateur

use of the polyurethanes

applicator

(painter

used on air-

firms catering
to the
durable
coating had

is really

application.
can

not

result

proper)

and

in a
truly

of your

Cockpit Coaming
boat

will show you the

kind

of cabin

and

coamings

(along

heights and half-breadths),

type of toe or bulwark
rail, size and location
and other related
information:
the best 1 can do is discuss joinerwork
general.

will do as

is thin.

proud.

Cabin Trunk
The

the highly

only in a sprayahle
and

finish

and sand lightly and carefully

before painting
the first finish
to kill the gloss, then apply a second coat of finish.
marketed

are brave

with

irregularities,

were

If you

and covering

working

of marine

out

in mid-1979,

and

the surface

when

grade

compound

an all-paint

the wood must be just as smooth

the heads of screw fastenings

below

is an advantage

and indeed

The

largest

upon

of the cabin

structure

the design.
side,

you

will

If the curve

tackle

is the

of the cockpit

it will he best and easiest

cabin

coaming

to make

both

trunk,

with

of hatches,
details in

or deckhouse,

on deck is a continuacoaming

and cabin

side

172

DECK

.JOINER

WORK

COAM

Figure

out of one
available

14-1.

long

glued splines.
can be made

of the bottom

it was laid

The

down

old-timers

from

of the cabin

work
screws.

deeper

reasons

the cabin

for the amateur

the cabin
joint

sides

is difficult

up against
bright,
cabin

sides as shown

and caulked
14-2C.

This

deck

from

but the results

the deck

beam

fabric

of the

more

cabin

the best way is to make

a rabbeted

with

and

after
toward

Sometimes

for

This can be a chore

pleasing.

It is easy to fit

14.2B,

but

and the fabric

If the cabin

to say the least.

them

inboard

outboard.

in Figure

such

turned

sides are to be finished

care must

covered

practice

posts, make

sides,

be sloped

than

exacting

general

corner

considerably.

watertightness.

the deck is canvas

job is a real challenge,

making

to lean

great

on the top

unbelievably

posts and to fasten

as shown

of inches.

impractical,

at the

loft floor,

extra

whtle

the deck is fiberglassed

the deck edge to ensure

only when

corner

are often

these

held in place

a little

-~ almost

thickness

headers

panels,

top.

to behold--

inboard

with

from the mold

to leave

appearing

unless

side for a couple

turned-up

sides against

the

are usually

the board

standard

carefully

to a perfect fit.
being vertical,
should

sides are sloped

to keep watertight

the cabin

making

the cabin

builder.
inside

wood

a sight

rabheted

boards

it is to rest on the deck or

whether

of the trunk

by /,,,I or so than

to keep them

than

14-1B and C.) When

assembly,
work off the radius corner
The sides of the cabin, rather than
fhc ccn(erlr~c~ slightly

side,

Remember

was truly

(See Figure

longer

of the trunk

the corners
that

mahogany

up by edge joining

of thin

the plans.

is to fit the ends into suitably

aesthetic

wide

The top edge is taken

to the camber

dovetailed

glue and plugged

rahhet

Long,

can be made

to the shape.

be planed

time-consuming

nowadays

14-1A.

with a template

and scribed

edge so it can

the

edge

it, is best obtained

opening

where

and

as in Figure

but if not, the width

If the cabin side is to be of plywood

up in the same way.

The shape
drrk

piece

for this,

overlap

!hiG

be taken
Thus,

to fit and bed

it is best to set the

or fiberglassed.

sill piece

as sketched

With

a laid

in Figure

DECKJOINERWORK

-FA~~E~~~~GsTKz,P
BE2..NS
K!-Ed

LIA0LE

Fe
cafqr:

SlmE15l-rritd

/ N eoaer

.Sli

173

ICAti

Figure 14-2.
When
fastened

trunk

sides of solid lumber

with bolts through

to the top edge.

are specified

the deck and

Drilling

must

to be as thick

beam

header,

be very carefully

done

as 1 /I , they should

be

with the bolts countersunk

so as not

to ruin

in-

the lumber.

When the cockpit coaming

is thinner
than the cabin side, make it out of a separate
piece and let it into the trunk dt the after end as shown in Figure 14-1D. When the
cabin and the coaming
are not in a continuous
to the cabin sides through
a rabbcted
block.
Strangely
built

enough,

sides, nailed

through

the trunk

counting

amateur

1 have seen only one

and glued

top, the cabin

labor.

curve
bend
solution

the intersection

at the edges.

whether

is to strip

,+JAiiED

athwartships:

shown
especially

trunk

for a sailboat

of this type.

With

had strip-

thr mast stepped

I saw, female

forms

14-3. or even more

it might

and the trunk

in plan

;l-RIPS

Figure 14-3.

was

with considerable

so. Depending

be impossible

in view of the curve

dis-

were set up, against

roof and sides is desi,gned

planked.

that

fastened

and this is one way to do it easily,

the edge as shown.

4 &LuED

is usually

the work went quickly

in Figure

or double

edges,
plank

has to be strong

of the cabin

like that

the roof is single

to the plywood

cabin

as planking

In the one case that

which the strips were clamped

very strong.
Sometimes

the samr

curve, the coaming

Figure i4-1E.

upon

to give a quick

view. In this case a

:<:

\,

:I

by

I-

174

DECK

JOINER

WORK

Toe Rail
Small

sailboats

foothold

are

when

fitted

the boat

ing decorative

scarphed.
sheer

with
The

so that

thickness

14-4A)

rails are either

that

are used

to be looked

set slightly

inboard

as a

on as be-

of the deck

edge of the covering

board, as mentioned
in Chapter
13, and
the butting
pieces are
screws. Where jcints are necessary,

under

edge of the rails has scuppers

rainwater

and spray

throughout,

shown

The

(Figure

long use, have come

plugged

but more

rails may be of constant

being

and from

as well as practical.

edge or at the inboard

are fastened

toe rails on deck

with

is heeled,

height

on the lines

will drain
often

from

they

cut at and near

overboard.

The

are tapered

end to end,

the low point

of the

rails may be of the same

on the inside

but frequently

face.

they taper,

Small

toe

the heights

plan.

.-. .--

!.J-

n-s

cs

Figure 14-4.

Bulwark
Larger

Rail

boats

tapered

have what

in thickness.

Details

drift bolts run about

with a neatly
for economy.

every

a bulwark

are shown
IS through

rail.

always

in Figure

tapered

14-4B.

in height

Bulwark

the deck into the sheer

and usually

rails are secured

strake.

by

and are topped

shaped cap, screw fastened

and plugged.
The cap is sometimes
omitted
Joints in both rail and cap are always scarphrd
and the bottom of the rail

is scuppered

to drain

pers

that

(pipes

is called

water

drain

that otherwise

water

from

the

would
deck

be trapped

overboard

on deck.
through

If no deck scup-

the

hull

near

the

waterline)
are fitted, then the bottom of the rail scuppers
must be at the deck level to
drain rainwater.
When there are deck scuppers,
the bottom of the cuts in the rail are
placed
scuppers

about

tm above

to streak

stem rabbet,
and
Figure 14-4B.

the deck

the topsides

so that

with dirt.

the cap is shaped

ordinary

rainwater

The forward

at the stem

and

will not run

through

end of the rail is fitted

across

the transom

into

as shown

the
the
in

DECK

Installation
builder.

of the

Templates

tom edge
in place
not

rail

will call

be of thin

to fit the edge of the deck.

and a batten
mind

bulwark

should

and

that

Then

for

some

sprung

ingenuity

in place,

the rail heights

the magnitude

will vary

vertically

Jigs from

of the problem

face of the rail conforms

on

a normal

the cabin

175

the

shaped

part

of the

on the bot-

at the stations

It will be a problem

the outside

on

and

is run to fair the top of the rail.

installed

changes.

wood,

JOiNERWORK

are laid out

to hold

the template

with the type of boat.

to the hull sections,

that

Bear

in

is. the rail is

boat;

thus the bottom

edge bevel constantly
coamings
and across the fore and after decks

sides and

must be devised to hold the template

in place, and then the rail while fastening.
It is
very likely that at least the forward section of the rail will need steaming
to get it in
place,

and

joints

much

care

must

be taken

to fair

the rail

sections

into

each

other

at the

so they will be smooth.

Bulwarks
for the larger boats can indeed
try the patience
of the inexperienced
builder.
In certain cases, laminating
can eliminate
some of the heavy work. However,
laminating

requires

laminate

bulwarks

Monkey

Rail

Powerboats

when

as a foothold

chocks

for anchor

hatch

hatch

it. The

one boat

a short

handling

dock

and time to construct:

is to be built.

monkey

an anchor

(See Figure

rail forward,
in a heavy

it is best to
4-4D.)

Figure

sea and

14-4C.

can

This

be fitted

is

with

lines.

Hatch

A sliding
The

than

up with

when
and

takes some planning

more

are dressed

handy

Sliding

a jig. which

must

is necessary

to give headroom

be rugged

enough

cover may be flat across,

over companion

to take the weight

but looks much

ladders

of a man

better

and elsewhere.

sitting

or standing

when cambered

on

like the deck.

It can be of plywood, either one or two layers, but is usually made of solid lumber,
as
shown in Figure 14-5. The cover is made on a pair of beams sawn to the camber,
using
edges grooved
for soft white
material
/; thick and about 3 wide, with the butting
pine splines,
glued

and

The
which
tongues

the hatch

the top piecrs

to make

on the beam
with

brass strips

than

ends

a piece of split
that interlock

as well as prevent

are fastened

logs may be constructed

are easier

tected
The
that

which stiffen

to the beams

in a variety
others.

tubing,

with plugged

of styles as shown

A common

to slide in grooves
brass

leaks. The joints

are waterproof

screws.

in Figure

slide is shown

14-5, some of

in sketch

A with brass

in the logs. The edge of the cover is pro-

while

with the split tubing

the tops of the logs are sheathed

to keep spray out of the hatch

with

opening.

arrangement
in sketch B is similar in operation,
having a rabbeted
beam header
slides in the log groove. The top of the log may be sheathed
if desired,
and the

molding
on the edge of the cover makes it adaptable
to canvas covering.
The logs
shown in sketches C and D do not have grooves, for the covers slide directly on the logs,
making

it necessary

friction

is minimized

edge only.
project

to sheathe
by having

them

to prevent

an angle

wear

between

of the surface.

the brass strips,

SO

In C the sliding
contact

In D there is a piece of brass let into the cover at the ends only,

slightly,

so the wooden

cover will not touch

the log. The

is at one

and it should

arrangements

shown

176

DECh

~J~~i!VER

WORK

Figure 14-5.
in the sketches
steel,

but

are typical

brass

is quite

An elevation
14.5. The

at the centerline

length

by the distance
opening.

and others

can be devised.

of a sliding

of the logs as they extend

from

Beyond

The

metal

the aftermost

the required

the logs to the deck beams

hatch

length,

and

hatch

is illustrated

beyond

hatches

by Bomar

Companicmway
The simplest

with plugged

way of closing

a brass

cabinet

guides,

locking

lock may

to circulate

to keep water

is determined
end of the hatch

with an ogee curve.

screws.

The bottom

Bomar,
hatches

Fasten

edges of the

to drain trapped
alloy and Lexan

water.
sliding

Inc., South West Street,

match in styling the deck

others.

be fitted.

from

the opening
as shown

tongue

air through

are sometimes

as those made by
03603. The sliding

E, Figure

Closure

that slide between

take

and

by sketch

to the forward

the logs are finished

headers

hatches,
such
New Hampshire

made

can be stainless

the companionway

cover beam

logs just forward of the apron must have scuppers cut in them
In the end, it can sometimes
be less costly to buy aluminum
companionway
Charlestown.

parts

easy to work.

in Figure

screwed
The

to the

running

it is locked

of the

hatch

cover

also have ventilation

up. A shaped

off the slides or main

for the drop

is to fit drop

boards

14-5. A slot can be cut in the top slide to

bottom

top slide should

the boat when

substituted

in the aft end of the trunk

deck

into

beam,

or a

holes or louvers

sill is fitted
the cabin.

on the deck

Double

doors

panels.

Hatches
Openings
At sea,

in the deck are covered

particularly,

hatches

with hatches
that

leak

are

made
an

to be watertight

unspeakable

or reasonably

nuisance,

making

so.
for

DECK

A5SEM0W
54 SWELLING
L-OFUWEP
wiLL
td0r
FOfZCE FRAME
HPAR-I-

6-l

hATCH

CDAMI~G

-I I

177

CDPdElZ

0D

HATCH COAM Ihb

JOINERWORK

CRUDE
b-l L ryPf!z

COU
LIGHT

HUSlc\/
HAl-Ctl

BROhlzE
HlblGE

SECT:

-l-HRU

HATCH

bWl72? WA-I- TYPE

l%uSH
HAl-lW

0
II

Figure

14-6.

discomfort

during

the watch

below,

so they fit well and function

splined
half

as described

lapped

consider
sketch

satisfactorily.

for the sliding

at the corners

to be too difficult
A of Figure

so every effort

(here,

The

companion
again,

be exerted

pieces forming
hatch.

The

if the half lap is reversed

that

the swelling

joint

screws

across

the width

The hatch coamings

either through-bolted
corners

of the hatch

as shown
In fact,

in sketch
bedding

Use either

will force

of the top must

around

used

the corner

be in the same

them

from

piece

which

that the detail

that shown

is parallel
apart.

the cover is

dovetails

and it is very important

the end screws in the top pieces are in the side frame
of the top in width

to construct

the cover are preferably

frame

the old professionals

for the amateur),

14-6 be followed.

should

I
in

so that

to the top pieces,

In other

words,

all

of frame.

vary in detail according

to preference
or practice,
but all are
or fastened
from the bottom
with long, husky screws. The
coamings

are dovetai!ed

G, Figure
compound

a time-tested

together

or rabbeted

14-6, and set in marine

bedding

is used to keep out water

under

marine

bedding

sealant

and screw fastened

compound
eveything

such as 3M Number

on the deck.
fitted

on deck.

5200 or a thiokol-

base compound.
Sketch
although

B illustrates
frames like

modified

into something

a crude workboat-type
C are used, they are
like D, which

hatch not very suitable

for a yacht, and
too light to be any good and should be

will stay together

and is fairly

watertight

when

178

DECK

-JOINER

WORK

I_

2.
,
4.
J6.
7.
8.

#LE.

1-A

*(a. I AL41
$,: , ; RF?..-r
PEec
f>
777 . bSE.
**l
ICC..
-re
r ?Y z j*.
1. UA435
I2
.,A.,>
C.rT
c AC. 4
Ig ..A..--k>W

-E-

-----I

Figure

SECTlOPJ T-KU
*AT=* CCAWhs * CdEq

14-7.

dogged

down.

The

gasket.

A refinement

type shown

too light.

they must

E has

of this is the hatch

the best of the lot and

hatches

in sketch

n3t too difficult

Flimsy

hatches

the

coaming

construction
to build.

and hatch

shown

hardware

like the galley.

with

with a plastic
Unless

a plastic

on the hatch

top.

a strong

the

plywood-

material

covers

pins

just do not stand

with a bronze

The

builder
priced

such as Lexan

is to

if fir-is

from

below

with

cast

of the type shown

opposite

be pulled
some

be

all

is used,

of

up to the abuse

Some

by fitting
brass

a crewman

is wanted
frame.

a lot of light

in a wooden

hatch

like to hinge
hinges

hooks

in sketch

and

main

cover

of

the hatches

eyes, or dogged

in the
marine
at both

side.
down

from marine

Such fasteners

to

deck

and replacing

on the desired

F (available

the hinges.

is liable

like the one shown

two sets of hinges

both

to spaces

it is a bit risky to use a

where

painted,

rod to engage

the
The
tight

hardware

are especially

good

down.

no-w has the option

hatches,

If a light

satisfactory.
is effected

at the corners
must

but it admits

one with a bronze

joinerwork

fastener

located

a gasket

lowest

is

the parts

hardware
firms and are quite
Note that the hatch in Figure

deck of a sailboat
force.

with a removable

are locked

concerns)
where

deck

and after sides, which

individual

is optional,

with considerable

fiberglassed

forward

This

top on the main

hatch, it is safer to use a round

hatch section in Figure 14-6.
When

14-7, which

to make

take.

14-7 is shown

jump

for a rubber

in Figure

It is a mistake

The hinges shown are made by a couple of the marine

satisfactory.
Through-bolt
the hinges wherever possible.

hatch

grooved

of buying

of which

hatches

are good

value,

instead

of making

are made

mostly

them.

The

of molded

p!Lstic. Hatches
:,f cast aluminum
alloy frames with strong lights of polycarbonate
sheet such as Lexa;l are considerablv
more expensive.
Some of these hatches
are
designed

with

sailboats

in mind

and

have a minimum

sails can be hurriedly

passed through
the hatch without
Some complain
that the plastic-topped
hatches sweat,

number

of protrusions

so that

catching
on anything.
and this is also true of metal

DECK

hatches.
tirely

Sweating

of the metal

by applying

granulated

minimum-sweating
Flush

hatches

can

he considerably

cork to the underside.

hatch

,JOlNER

reduced

Of course,

out of one of the older

WORK

materials

179

or stopped

it is possible

en-

tc make

- wood.

Hatches

Cockpits

usually

have

are constructed
washdown

water

This

method

usual

sha!low

gutters

from

hatches

in sketch

running

is pretty

or much

channel-shaped
enough

flush

as shown

to project

into the bilges

and storage

and dripping

spaces

and often

to keep rain.

spray,

on equipment

and

on the way.

it does not take much water to overflow the

A better method
is to use a system of
to clog the drain.

metal

under

tanks,

14-6, in an effort

poor because

dirt

sheet

over engines.
H, Figure

gutters

attached

the opening,

and

to the

having

hatch

opening

a good-sized

framing,

overboard

wide

line, say 1%U

at least.

Watertight

Self-Bailing

A watertight

cockpit

with scuppers

The

boat

as fitted

to drain

of the cockpit
teak.

can

Cockpit

water,

in sailboats
whether

it bf: from

be fiberglass-covered

plans

should

provide

is simply

below

rain or heavy spray

plywood,

details

a well sunk
preferably

ifor the cockpit

<eck level

and seas. The sole

made

scuppers

main
non-skid,

or bare

and whether

or not

they should be crossed, that is, whether the port scupper discharges
through
the hull
on the starboarrt
side and vice versa. There arc various ways to fit scuppers flush with
the cockpit

sole;

probably

marine

hardware

cockpit

well would

the easiest

outfits.

Above

drain

rapidly

is to buy

ta.:sh-fitting

all, the scuppers

should

shoul1.l a sea break

scuppers

from one of the

be generously

sized so that the

aboitrd.

lhe cockpit sole is laid on beams that may extend to the hull sides, or it may be supported by beam headers,
which in turn are suspended
from the main deck headers by
long rods with threaded
ends for nuts. (See Figure 14-&I.) Two types of water tables
around
the edges of the sole are shown, either of which may be used with a caulked
sole. The cockpit

ceiling

may be permanently

instaiied

access

spaces

not occupied

and

to storage

Many
feeling

prefer

of security

the lowered
seats

cockpit

seats lowered

it gives.

beams

and

headers

deck beams

below

If the boat

seats wilh care

are most comfortable

main

by fuel

in order

for support,

has a raised
and

fitted

the latter
tubing

with hinged

tanks,

exhaust

deck level (Figure

doghouse,

with a slanted

to drain

water,

lines,

for

etc.

14-8B) for Ihe

must

of the helmsman.
lazyback.

are secured

(See dotted

doors

piping,

the architect

the visibility

of which

at the ends of the cockpit.

seats must be scuppered

with copper
hinged sections over storage spaces.

They

to blocks
Figure

plan
The

require

under

the

1478B.) Sloped

and may be arranged

with

and Locker Lids

Seats
Hinged
This

the main

not to restrict

if sloped

or fitted

water

seats and

occurs

in both

locker

lids on deck

solid lumber

are prone

and plywood.

to warp

due

to changes

One way to minimize

in moisture.

this is to make

180

DECK

JOINERWORK

r7fl-lobJAL:
f$T.Ed=?D

RCA
-I?2 H

FAORiC

CdEKEO
OF?
CAULIdPC
Sod

CAULVfSP

SdE

00

5-CUPPER

Figure

14-8.
&GPCE

i-E

t..,c

.w

crrr

ilr

-..-i.EC

LIP

I
-_rl

--

-CLL.YT
sau

;.ir5

63
ll

Figure 14-9.

series of cuts parallel

done
Figure

on a table

to the long

saw or with

direction

a portable

and on the underside

circular

saw.

Cleats

of :he piece.
are fitted

This

as shown

is
in

14-9.

Sheer Guards
The hull guard
half round
hulls.

at the sheer of the boa?,

GY rectangle

The latter

for smaller

type can be difficult

if it is deslgneA U Lzvl une,

cxn vary from a simple
boats to a izirly heavy, built-up
guard for larger
to make

and install,

considering

the shape

of the

DECK

deck in plan and the changing

JOINERWORK

181

bevel of the sections of the boat from bow to stern. The

most difficult job is to install a guard at the bow of a powerboat

forward and a lot of flare: a guard must be laminated

having a full deck line

to the shape of the dec : line and

sawn to the bevel of the sections. The fastenlng of guards is very important,
are there for the purpose of protecting

for they

the hull and must not come loose when called

upon to do some work.

Lower guards to protect

hulls at the stern where there is tumble

home (hull wider

below the sheer than at the sheer) take some hard knocks at times and also must be
securely fastened.

Depending

the sheer guard sometimes

which,

for heavy-duty

upon the construction

of the hull and deck at the sheer,

needs blocking between the frames to take the fastenings,

guards,

are preferably

through-bolts.

Chapter

15

INTERIOR

From the beginning

reasonably
ects. With

of this manual

designers

drawings

some typical structural

details to be planned,

and fronts,

but

and

drawers,

the galley

in the nature

than

fabricated

from

them either
more
The

than
that

182

with fine

boards.

of plyivobd

or as fancy

as

show details

of

should

are lacking

or sparse,

persons

joinerwork

I will show

parts

and

there

consisting

the all-important

work is enhanced

by neat-fitting

pushing

sandpaper

are only a

of berth

tops

ice box.

Any

joints

and

really

pays

work much easier than in years past because

parts to be quick!y cut from large sheets rather
Bulkheads. --- an-d-large p+tions
are a good exam-
-.-.
in a fraction of the time formerly needed to make

or of tongue-and-groove

material,

and plywood

is by all means

the latter.

plywood

most, attractive

plywood faced
panels, stained
down

narrow

made

of paneling

attractive

Assuming

be as plain

the interior

work top, and

of cabinet

plywood makes interior

saves labor by permitting

ple, as these catibe

and

basic household
projto be the easiest task in

to sleep four or more

the rest of the interior

a smooth finish, so the time spent in fitting

off iiith the satisfaction
of a job well done.
Waterproof
this material

is familiar

methods.
In a small craft there are not too many different
although
there might seem to be a multitude
of them the first

doors,

lockers,

carpentry

rhrough

in case these

Even in a hull large enough

few bulkheads
finished

of sections

methods,

the builder

tools, having undertaken

joinerwork
should prove

The joints and finish can

with the ability of the builder.

construction

time around.

that

of the boat.

commensurate

The boat
joinerwork

it has been assumed

skilled with woodworking

this experience,
the cabin

the construction
desired,

JOINERWORK

will be used,

of these

is a real

with mahogany,
or natural,
and
sandpaper

the finish
wood

finish.

Can be of any of several

This

can

teak, or other such veneers

finished
with multiple
coats

or bronze

wool

between

coats.

be achieved

basic

types.

by using

available
in waterproof
of varnish,
each rubbed
Natural

wood

can

also be

f!TERIOR

finished

with wax-based

can be applied

material,

by hand

with a soaked

afterward.

The

wool and

recoated

until

must

be made

ings,

etc.,

selected.
Formica

to match

pensive

the luster

natural

plywood

trim,

like Duraply

such

to cover

the galley

locker

open-

as the plywood

face
with

In such cases, the plywood

painted

as mahogany.

can be of less ex-

who has the time.

skill, and

or a combination

of paint

and

finish,

the use of faced

it will save one or more coats t,f paint

Even though

counter

finish

For a painted

because

of the wood.

off soon

with bronze

throughout.

is recommended,

helps kiil the grain

oil liquids

wiped

around

181

the like are best covered

is for the perfectionist

jomts

tung

buffed

species

and

WORh

being

then

for trim

of the same

is to go with a completely

wood

it is practical

Moldings

shelves,

wood finish.

perfect-fitting

choice

lumber

The

the excess

to dry for a day,

tops, exposed

wood decor

oil varnish.

rag or a brush,

is pleasing.

of solid

as table

oil, or tung

be allowed

the natural

to make

Another

and

should

fir. The natural

patience
with

surface

Flats such

tung

JCIAER

most of the surfaces

other

flats that

receive

will be painted,
hard

wear with

Formica.
A third choice is to cover most of the vertical
washable vinyl wall coverings and to paint the parts
a harmonizing
Formir,a

color.

covered

be natural

wood

Still another
vertical

Again,

or painted.

surfaces
with one of the tough,
that are not practical
to cover with

the horizontal

surfaces

The

be painted

trim

can

that

take wear
to match

and tear should

or contrast,

be

or it can

finish.
finish

surfaces,

is to use Formica

either

in colors

as much

or wood

as practical
The reader

grains.

on both horizontal
and
should realize that the

word Formica is a trade name for but one of a number

of brands of phenolic finishing
materials
available.
It is a little tricky IO work with until you get used to it, but an attractive

and unusually

with so-called

contact

durable

finish

results.

cement,

which

is applied

The

panels

are adhered

to both surfaces

to clean

plywood

and allowed

to set up

dry to the touch, before the surfaces are joined.

Once the two cement-coated
surfaces
contact each other. they are stuck for good. so they must be carefully
positioned.
One
method

of preventing

of a piece

premature

of brown

paper

contact

the same

is to use what

is known

size as the Formica

part

as a slip sheet,

made

to be cemented.

The

cement-coated
surfaces ate allowed to set up dry to finger touch, the slip sheet is laid
on the wood while the Formica is lined up perfectly,
and then while holding the parts
aligned,
joined.

the slip sheet

Plywood

is pulled

helps reduce

the weight

in the fortn of furniture

specify
l,,, (
&

over

the thickness
:t:,

that
hulls;
where

can be k or t,$ depending

from

upon

the surfaces
there

tops,

counters,

so the parts

is no sense in installing

over strength.

but if they dont,

dresser
weight

between

of joinerwork;

is needlessly

of the plywood,

U in the larger

t/s in any boat

out

The

plans

a general
and

minor

can

be

weight

for the boat should

guide

for bulkheads

partitions

need

is

not be

saving

is desired. Shelves in lockers and elsewhere

sense, because with
the area. Be guided by common

glued and screwed parts, high strength

can be achieved with plywood structures.
Sometimes
in sailboats
the mast is stepped on deck and somehow the thrust must be
carried to the hull. In some cases the bulkheads
in the immediate
vicinity of the mast
are used for this purpose:
When

bulkheads

the pieces must

thus they may

or partitions

be joined.

are larger

The simplest

be heavier
than

than

normal.

can be cut from

way is to use a butt

one plywood

strip of plywood

panel,

glued

and

184

INTERIOR

JOINER

WORK

II \\

lJ
0 .li
\
F

r
15-l.

Figure

screwed to the buikhead

pieces, but this does not look good unless it can be concealed
from view. The neatest butt is made with a splint as shown in section A of Figure 15-l.
using

a glued

plywood

the rabbets
plywood

spline,

accurately

panels

but you must

or have

is to scarph

a mill

them

the woodworking

do it for you.

together,

cutting

circular

Sections
bulkheads,

B through
E in Figure
15-l show different
while F is a vertical section through a galley

shown

Another
rails that
should

at the base of the counter

good

cleaned

detail

have

been

be about

brought

This

is well worth

is shown

down

is shown

to counter

or even

higher

way to join

two

with an attachment

in Figure

for

4-6.

it takes to construct.

G of Figure

level at their

when

to cut

ways of building
corners for
or bathroom
counter.
The toe

Sea rails are used to keep things

1 high,

another

the trouble

in sketch

machinery

15-l.

ends

tg enable

from falling

you want

This shows sea

dirt

to be

off counters

to retain

something

and
like a

radio.

Where
berth
against the hull,
ing planking.
templates.

platforms,
shelves,
and the edges of bulkheads
and partitions
lie
their edges are curved and must be fitted by a process similar to spilThis

requires

the

use of heavy

In the case of a horizontal

athwartships
must

to incorporate

out of corners.

portable

a Scarffer.

Still

the scarph

a portable

space

saw called

have

for the most

be held normal

carpenters

compass

horizontal

accurate

part,
results,

to the centerline
must

be held

part + and level when

cardboard

or light

the template

board

while

of the hull.

normal

scribing

the template
Similarly,

to the centerline
the shape

wood
must

board

the points

be held

level

for a bulkhead
of dividers

when scribing

for a bulkhead.

for making

points

or a
for a

If these procedures

are not followed,

the parts will not be correctly shaped,
and further fitting will. be required.
The bevels for the parts can be taken off at intervals
and marked
on the
template

board.

(See Figure

The

template

board

is cut to the scribed

line and used as a pattern.

15-2.)

Bulkheads

are

often

bulkhead

to a frame

shimmed

to true

located

on

one

side

or

another

of a frame.

Fastening

is simple . lun!ess the flame is not plumb vertical, whi.ch is often

the case -when the frames are bent rather than sawn. In such cases, the frame must be
up the bulkhead.

Thus,

when

framing

a boat,

it pays to be particu-

~?CRlRlkl~
OF

t4017MAL
C.L.

FQR

To
OF

BOA-l--

TCRI~ING

Figure

15-2.

~HAPC

!?ULIdHHF,rlD

Q-~APE

FotZ

186

INl-ERIGR

JOINER

WoRK

,/CLEAI?AUCE

.A FACE

-:

OIUIWCP CAM flC LIFTED -0

CLLAe WEOGE
I

l7~~hEC

Figure

between

to have the bulkhead

frames,

be fastened

a strip similar

to the hull.

can be bent

cold

this, you must

pliable

IO the inside

either

steam

must

Figure
never

have

a device

in interior

of solid

saw a frame
edge.

For bulkheads

so that
there

and a strip

ones,

is too much

to shape,

(See Figure

located

the bulkhead

round-bottomed

but where

or bend
15-3A.)

can
a strip

shape

for

in a strip

The spacing

like this is best placed

many

fastening

holes

putty

if the fastenings

work are set in either

Do not expect
survive for long

with

where

it

steel

nails

unless
can

are nails

set below
Plastic

hardware,
Although

or chrome-plated

and

they

a berth.

Glue

are

be hidden
plugged

the surface

Resin

and

Masonite.
at sea. (See Figure 15-3B.)

opening

through

t,$ sides,

such as tempered

are screws for the most part.

are counterbored

plated-steel
in a boat.

plain

from

section

of the fastenings

Elmers

191 for the fronts,

using

or hardboard

them

detail

woodwork

falsely

the

lumber,

of t/t plywood

to prevent

joinerwork

e;Ler

and error,

shows a typical

trim,

bronze.

hulls and in some

the wood,

by trial

for a bottom

economize

plywood

be installed

saw cuts on its inside

best made

15-X

Fastenings

must

in the cabin.

are

backs rabbeted
They

be as true as possible.

of the planking,

bend

by numerous

be visible

Drawers

frames
to a frame

In v-bottomed

of the cuts is determined

wont

0B

IOtd

15-3.

larly careful

made

CcL.;T~UCT

Where

hot-dipped

are used,

galvanized.

by the trim.

In

In varnished

6r concealed

of the wood.

or spar

nails

by matching

Plugs

in varnished

varnish.

such as hinges,
drawer
expensive,
the hardware
or stainless steel.

pulls,

or lock sets, to

should

be brass

or

INTERIOR

JOINFB

WORK

187

Meta I qril Ia

Loud-e5
JXXX

&tXlfsAT~Oti

Figure 15-4 I

Ventilation
Proper

ventilation

of the hull is one of the most important

the long lift of a wooden

while

keeping

remembered
protected

that

practical

baffle

against

water,

openings

in ceilings

Other

than

the chance

to remove.

and becoming

as illustrated

devices

made

is the cowl ventilator

in Chapter

(the hull lining)

and

that will conribute

for at all times,
trapped.

IG. This

the boat
lockers,

after

of molded
mounted

will bring

all the
be

or a slip, un-

plastic,

etc.,

the

on a box having
in air from

it gets inside.

and where

to

(It must

for most of its life at a mooring

patented

developed

bulkheads

There

the outmust

be

are watertight,

must be provided
with a source of air for ventilation.
and cupboards
should have vents for passage of air at top and botof the hull,

to dry out before

ventilation
and typical door frame
Ventilation
is also of importance
ficult

be provided

the boat

may be kept

not only for the preservation

will have a chance

minimize

of air must

be able to flow through

each compartment
Doors to lockers
tom,

Passage

from entering

the boat

ventilator

but air must

boat.

water

by a roof.)

most
side,

fresh

items

of mildew

they

but also so clothes

mildew.

and stop details

in boats built

and musty

odors,

and other

A few suggestions

stowed

gear

for locker

door

are shown in Figure 15-4.

of materials
other than wood

which

are sometimes

extremely

to
dif-

188

INTERIOR

.JOINER

WORK

1 .~-s,c-Jr-cl

z--e.!

.---*--

=e

cgp

ce,

e,--,~+

r- r c--r

03

Figure 15-5.

Ceiling
Ceiling is a lining on the inside of the hull that is used to conceal
to protect stowed gear from sloshing bilge water. or to strengthen
ter purpose,
planking.

in larger
It is spiled

wedged

tightly

the outside

bevelrd

quarters.

This

two brlow
In snlall

boats,
the

is painted

upward

ceiling

/:1 to 4 thick

of a sea. For this purpose

and-groove

can

be used.

strength,

and excessive

fastened

with

In boats

nails

where

Small

thickness

or screws.
the shape

Ceiling

This

can be of light

perforated

with

many

where

the

small

In the finest
be visible

in the

sole, to an inch or
of air.

used for the sake of apside of a bunk,

your

seams

must

should

White

is shown

plywood

fastening,

body,

but

one

the ceiling
of the best

gear stowed under berths and in the botbilge water when the boat is heeled down

ceiling

of the topsides

into place,
In boats

boat

is sometimes

against

the ceiling

is useless.

they would

are

of the ceil-

left for the circulation

At the outboard

pressing

of the

the strakes
edges

and before

at least the cabin

at the top being

if desired.

of frames

where

from

reasons for ceiling m small boats is to protect

tom of lockers from being wetted by sloshing
in a lump

it. and

the inner

with a wood preservative.

and plugged

the space

be slatted

discomfort

f...
~VZ? requires

For appearance,

or treated

bored

extends

clamp,

light

may

the hull

members,
For the lat-

of the thickness

the seams form a vee on the inside.

type of ceiling

and

prevents

so that

40 percent

is usually

fastening.

are counter

the sheer

pearance

when

before

of each strake

I he fastenings

the ceiling

to shape

together

ing are lightly

yachts

yachts

structural
the hull.

be tight,

be kept

cedar

tongue-

for it adds

or pine is suitable

in Figure

little

and may be

15-5.

will permit

or hardboard.

light,

and thin

it, a sheet-type

ceiling

the latter

either

being

is bent
plain

or

holes such as pegboard.

ceiling

is decorative

rather

than

structural-

particularly

in

motorboats-light plywood lining used to hide structures

can be painted
or covered
with vinyl fabric or Formica-type
material.
The inside of fiberglass hulls, particularly
can be covered with carpeting
stuck to the
forward where hull curvature
is greatest,
hull

with

materials

an adhesive,

or there

are vinyl with a foam

are hull

liners

now

made

for this purpose.

These

backing.

Cabin Sole
Cabin
hatches

sole is the proper

to enable

ready

name

for the flooring

access

to the bilge,

or decking

tanks,

piping,

inside
valves,

the hull.

It must

etc. In small

have

boats a

,qy%yg~*p
g&~~&;~

~>*;a

-719

4, <,~>~,f~,L :/.
:x,
ii ,~, I:

<-,- ;
-

r-%

INTERIOR

removable

panel

sure of this,
leaking

is usually

is nothing

more

sufficient

frustrating

pieces.

flooring

material

for the sole because

The plywood

can be painted

either

hatch

bindings

the plywood
In a sailboat
coat of paint.

enough

it is practical

In cabins

and

where

a carpet

properly

shipshape,

and

not

The

sole is the first of the

but make

to get at, say, a

Plywood

be fitted in

can

or covered

with vinyl

and stainless

the hatches

steel

too tight,

for

ty adding

A bare

a compound

to the final

teak sole is nonskid:

however,

it

stains.

morning,

should

and

189

bind.

will be used, the sole needs

made of synthetic
fibers
with boatmen.
It is light

carefully
planned
quately supported

Do not make

a sole nonskid

grease

labor
finish,

are aluminum

a hatch

but it is practical.

it will hold

on the feet on a chilly

carpet,
popular

There

able

in an emergency.

It savrrc much

to make

to make

It is not pretty,

is very expensive
is warm

dangerous

for use with the vinyl coverings.

will swell just

not being

for the simplest

in one piece or laid in squares.

WORK

to serve all purposes,

than

sea cock: lack of access can be downright

is an excellent
large

on the centerline

for there

JOiNER

only one coat of paint.

but it requires
be used

near

cleaning

open

A carpet

with a vacuum

hatchways.

to be

Indoor-outdoor

that will not absorb

moisture,
has become
very
enough to be taken up and cleaned
on the dock.

interior

joinerwork

ahead to establish
the hatch
by beams and headers.

to go in the hull.
locations.

and

In addition,

it must

it must

be

be ade-

Headliners
Headlining
like homes

- unheard
of until people starred making
than boats -- is a covering for the underside

The most popular

pose, and
hardboards
vinyl

headlini

is a vinyl fabric

material

made

just for that pur-

the best ones have an anti-mildew

treatment.
Other headliner
having decorative
finishes,
acoustical
tileboard,
and light

or Formica-type

Thermal

*.g material

the insides of boats look more

of deck beams and cabin tops.
materials
are
plywood with

covering.

Insulation

Inexpensive,
lightweight
fiberglass
insulation
on the underside
of decks and cabin tops
adds to comfort
both summer
and winter and whether
or not air conditioning
is installed in the boat. The easiest kind to use is a type having a thin face of white plastic
material
on what is meant to be the down side, away from the deck above. It can be
cut to fit between
cent,

though,

deck beams

is to cover

and stapled

in place.

The

only way to make

it look de-

it over with headlining.

Icebox
The

icebox,

construct.
much
about

which

looks so simple

For this reason,

better off buying one.

4.5 cubic feet, which

when

used,

is very time consuming

if any of the ready-made

boxes suit your

and
boat,

difficult

to

you will be

There are several makes on the market with a capacity of

amounts
to abont 50 pounds of ice. They are all plastic

190

INTERIOR

JOINER

WORK

~t5310td

<ECTION

Figure 15-6.

permits,

also made

When

an icebox

Space

tion of air, and

preservative

should

that

but

not

into

I am

a wooden

be left between

Space

to the icebox,

installation,

or stacked.

going

to get

These
into

there

are some important

the hull and the box structure

that

is always

boat

will be hidden

limited

the outboard

should

in a boat,

side should

the
the

and

to make

dnd

are

batteries,
smallest

of

points

to

for the circula-

be treated

be shaped

boxes

with a wood

the most of the

somewhat

to the hull

The section in Figure 15-G is typical of the situation

in many boats, and here
plywood simplifies the job. Basically the box consists of an inner and outer shell,

with insulation

in between

Make the outside

not

for under-counter

side-by-side

part of the hull

or paint.

area allotted

are built

be placed

and shore
lines that are needed
for even
the service conditions
can vary so widely.

because

building

remember.

%7X

They

can

refrigerators,

generators,

refrigerators,

form.
again

insulation.

two of them

as electric

chargers,

-rkieu

--ICE

and have polyurethane

if space

A-A

to obstruct

termediate

and

a watertight

box first, leaving

passage

stiffeners

of air,

liner

inside.

the top off, and brace

it to the hull,

making

sure

as noted above.
Add posts in the corners
and inand sides to support
the inner shell and to take its

on bottom

fastenings.
Then coat the inside of the outer box with bitumastic
paint and while it is
still wet, line the box with tar felt paper laid with overlapping
joints. This is a vapor
barrier.

The

to fit between

insulation

~- I suggest

the corner

posts and

polyurethane

foam

available

in planks-is

then cut

the stiffeners.

Next make the inner plywood box.

As for the drain, it must lead either overboard
or, if the bottom of the box is below the
waterline,
to a sump tank. It is an invitation
to rot to drain fresh water into the bilges
of a wooden hull. The sump tank can be removable
for dumping
overboard
or piped
with a two-way valve to the bilge pump. Of course the drain should be at the low point
of the bottom
Before

with soidercd,
stead,

of the box.

making

even though

to make

the box top,

watertight

cleaning

joints

smoothing
easy.

the liner

must

be fitted.

is ideal,

but the inner

the corners

is tedious.

A liner
plywood

The

of stainless

steel sheet

can be fiberglassed

final finish should

in-

be smooth

INTERIOR

Whenever
when
pour

out quickly,

The

finished

fiberglass

is best for the icebox,

a front

so will the contents

of a built-in

door
when

rolling

box is significant.

to 3/g. In fact,

because

is unavoidable,

191

less cold air is lost

but the cold air will

at sea.
Limit

you might

WORK

omit

the outside

the inside

of the box to

wooden

box and

on the insulation.

the box with

to separate

Ready-made

Sometimes

the inside

right

Finish

and
weight

I,$ U thickness,

tions

a top opening

possible,

the box is opened.

JOINER

food

light

wooden

from

ice.

gratings

in the bottom,

and

fit adjustable

parti-

Woodwork

If you want

to save time

ready-made

parts

made
among

as your boatbuilding
up by a mail

fornia

that

makes,

other

racks;

grab

rails and

tillers.

I have seen a set of doors made

binocular

things,
boxes;

order

project
supply

a complete
paneled

and

for a Florida

first class. The name of the firm is H & L Marine

Street, Compton,
California
90221.

nears

house.

completion,
There

line of dish,
louvered

magazine,

doors;
Inc.,

in Caliand book

and gratings

boat manufacturer

Woodwork,

you can use

is an outfit

and

and they were

2965 East Harcourt

Chapter

16

MISCELLANEOUS

There

seem

to be optional

thing. Just remember

seaworthy
boat. The
inspect

boats

coupled

DETAILS

ways, some

of them

good

and

some

that there is no compromise

in quality
reader is again urged to take advantage

of all types and

with opinions

to study

the details

of the cxpcrienced.

bad,

every-

if one is to produce
of every opportunity

of construction.

will soon reveal

for doing

a
to

Such observation,

the best way to handle

any

job.

Patterns for Castiqs

While

a great

hardware
amateur
To came
jibstay

many

fittings

manufacturers,
can save money

a few of the fittings

fitting,

gudgeons

and

under

the cabin

peller

shaft

permanent
pintles,

that

may

are

backstay

be purchased

usually

light

from

special

for the sailboat,

propeller

cast bronze

Parts usually made of cast material

it is seldom that off-the-shelf

struts

aprrturr
floors

Cast parts,
there

especially

are several

for use underwater,

different

alloys.

are usually

ranging

in tensile

of these alloys are not very resistant

to salt water,

put out by some of the marine

makers

192

should

there

casting,

when

tanks

is the
rudder

are located

can be homemade,

made

nf manganese

strength

from

pounds per square inch to upwards

of 100,000 pounds per square
aluminum
alloy castings are sometimes
used where saving weight
paint

of marine

for powerboats
include prostruts fit properlyrudders,

and transom
platform
brackets.
Some of the standard
fittings
but this does not always pay unless you have time to burn.
and

the stocks

a few items that are special.

Here the
and having a foundry pour the castings.

fitting,

and sometimes

floor.

bearing

for boats

there are always

by making
patterns

and protective
be used.

about

inch. Above
is important.

finishes

Anodizing

too,
bronze,
40,000
water,
Some

for aluminum
also offers good

MI.SC~~l.I.,-l.~~O~~S
IET.-IILS 193

sprrre
/ w;4

PATTEW

Figure

16-1.

protection

if applicable

for sand
The

castings

kind

wood

of wood

is Alcoa
and

for

molten

hrcausr

metal

expected.

easier.

shrinkages

during

rules

of $, J,,, etc.,
meaTtire

corners

of molding.

thin

tool as shown,

For a small

several
taper,
better

at good

per foot of length.

making

rubbed

hardware

work,

and

but soft

rule made

using fine

Because

the

by the amount

of

if any amount

of

to make

stores,

at an angle

strength

to each

other

be made

it uniform

and

or with a dowel,

the pattern

of leather

with paraffin

and

the layout

are made

in

for Y,,,fl shrinkage

such

in the castings

and for ease

have proportionately

or varnish
is made,

and fastened

wax.

smooth

as boat

fittings,

Knead

with

larger

to smooth
you should

a small

rod.

in place

with glue.

the soft wax and work it

a fillet

or with a metal

tool,

which

is simply

Give the finished

pattern

it so it will not stick in the molding

give the sides of the pattern

called draft, so it may be easily removed

from
understood
by referring
to B of Figure 16- 1.

For smali

Any

finish,

sections. (See Figure 16-1A.) Fillets may be purchased

from
house in wax strips, which are stuck in place with a heated

coats of shellac

Also, when

ovcrsizr

be purchased

A two-foot

have fillets to provide

or they may

steel ball on a handle,

sand.

he obtained

peo-

a pencil).

is Y{hn per foot,

rule should

as many
already.

on the wood,

than

is made

them

a smooth

is drawn

rather

the pattern

of bronze

job you can get along

the corners,

The fitting

outlined,

all about

it is given

shrinkage

sections

fillets than thicker-walled

a pattern-makers
supply
fillet

alloys

249,, .

on patterns

Large,

wilt know

use a knife

shrinkage
can

One of the best aluminum

will be but briefly

provided

cooling,

a two-foot

Such

will actually
Inside

for patterns

it is easy to work.

The

work is to be done,
work

processes
experience

(pattern-makers

will shrink

fittings.

35.

metalworking

accuracy

shrinkage

Almag

and casting

may hc used

pine is prcfrrred
lines

to the alloy of your

pattern-making

ple with

into

FILLET-5

the mold

p!atform

called

by the molder.
a molding

a slight
This

board

is

will

194

MISCEl,l~,~NEOL'S

Figure

16-2.

LXI~AI%.S

lhv /)cl/lrr,r, con, nnd mold Ibr u .5inl~~l~~

hollouf rrtsling.

be usrd. and on it will be placed a box without ends to retain

mold. The finished

the sand used for the

mold consists of two boxes one upon the other, called the cope and

the drag, and togrther

the assembly

is called a flask. Dowel pins on the cope fit into

sockets on the drag and keep the two in alignment.

and covered with sand of such a nature
the drag is then turnrd

The pattern

that when packed

is placed in the drag

hard it will stick together:

over. With the pattern still in the mold, the surface of the sand

is coated with a powder so that when more sand is added,

the two surfaces will part.

Then the rope is added, tilled with sand, and rammed solid. The cope is lifted off and
turned over, and the sprite, a passage for pouring the molten

metal,

vent holes to carry off gases arc cut with molders tools. The pattern
the drag, leaving

a space to be filled with metal.

A flat pattern

as shown in Figure

with a complicated
unless the pattern
cope is replaced
The molding

and some small

is removed from

shape,

is more

16-1 is easy to remove,

difficult

sides have proper draft.

for the simple

breaking

the sand

The casting is ready to be poured when the

on the drag. The sprue is cut off the finished

procedure

but a deeper one, or one

to take uut without

block pattern

casting by the foundry.

in Figure

16-1B is easy, but a

study of the mold shown in Figure 16-2 will indicate that to produce a casting shaped
like the pattern, the pattern would have to be split along the centerline. Further. if the
cpsting is to have a hollow portion,

the hollow area must be kept free of molten metal;

this is done with a core of sand shaped like the desired hollow. A simple core as shown
is made by ramming

sand into an open-top

box until full and then baking the sand to

MISCEI-L.A.VECLS !?ET.d!LS
make

it hard and strong

enough

to withstand

the pouring

of the lead.

regular

shape are molded in a split box with dowel pins. In the pattern,

tended

beyond the length

of the casting

so the imprint

!95

Cores of irthe core is ex-

of the core extension

in the

mold will support the core. This is shown in the figure. The core print, as it is called, is
painted black so the molder will understand the core. When the casting has cooled
and been taken from the mold,

Ballast
The

the core is easily broken out.

Keel

ballast

keel casting

for sailboats

will be of cast iron or lead and will be bolted

either through the keel or through both the keel and floors, as preferred by the architect. Bolts will be shown on the plans and are the largest -diameter fastenings used
in the construction

of the boat. They are made of rods threaded

on both ends for nuts,

and on the inside of the boat are set up on heavy washers under which are grommets
consisting

of a few turns of cotton wicking soaked in red lead. Tobin

bolts are used to hold lead keels, while good galvanized

wrought

bronze or Everdur
iron or Monei bolts

are used when the keel is cast iron.

Because

of the weight of the metals --~450 pounds per cubic

710 for lead -~ the size and location

designer
made

and just as carefully

of the ballast

reproduced

must be carefully

by the builder.

from the mold loft lines and, as noted earlier,

shrinkage

rule. Shrinkage

foot for cast iron and

of lead and iron castings

Templates

figured

by the

for the keel are

the keel pattern

is made with a

is VHper foot.

The boatbuilder can make the pattern for a cast iron ballast keel. but the casting
must be done by an iron foundry becauve of the high temperatures
required. On the
other

hand,

for a lead keel,

the amateur

or professional

boatbuilder

can make the

mold clrttl pour the casting.

Cast Iron
When

Keel

the keel is iron,

(Figure

the pattern

is made

work, and in either case the sections should

pattern

of soft pine, and for a rectangular

16-t3A) the job is quite simple. For a more shapely keel the pattern
nears the finished

shape.

be constantly

The pattern

checked

for accuracy

with model building

can see that the bread and butter

tion may be used here by drawing waterlines

thickness

as the

for a shaped keel is made of layers of

pine anywhere from 1 to 2 thick that are screw fastened and glued together.
familiar

keel

entails more

through

Those

method of construc-

the keel, spaced the same as the

of wood used, and sawing each layer roughly to shape bcforc

fastening

them

together.
The holes for bolts through
the cores in relation

an iron keel are cored,

to the bolt spacing,

core in the bottom of the keel is enlarged

and care must be taken to locate

always taking shrinkage

in diameter

into account.

lhe

to take the nut, allowing enough

depth to cement over the nut to close the hole in the casting. A core box is made only
for the longest core needed, as the molder can break cores off to proper length for the
shorter

ones. When required,

The iron casting should,

a centerboard

slot is also cored.

if possible, be given a coat or two of red lead before it starts

(,A

~1

196

MISCELLANEOUS

DETAILS

_5ECT:Sh;
-I-HRL
OWhi
w5
VOLT
~A-3E

LEAF
l-H

-SE',-:?I,b b

---TU6

4 c2A-r
mbn5rEE

&EL

EL

..:,?lf -

3._

_ i,

T--!=Ft? *EEL
E+,-fj\ES-,FJP
Ah ATEJrZ

.5--e

ker

v13c~

-LEADkiEiz
----.-__-

Figure 16-3. AH irm kvcl must h sand-cast in aloundry,

cnn hc ccrst I)) N mold nt /kc Suilding site.
to rust. L.atrr on it can be finished

-EL

while a had keel

by applying coats of trowel cement

and sanding it

smooth.

Lead

Keel

When a willing foundry is within a reasonable

a male pattern

for a sand-cast

distance.

boatbuilders

sometimes

make

lead keel and let the foundry make the mold and pour

the casting. Making the pattern is a relatively easy job as compared to making the sand
mold at the boat shop. One firm named Keel Makers solicits this business, either for
one-off or production

castings.

Keel Makers can be contacted

at 101 New Bern Street,

MISCELLANEOUS
Charlotte,
11746.

North

Carolina

Of course,

Accuracy

28203,

or at 43 Old Brook

if you have a local foundry

is particularly

important

0.26

pound per cubic

A rectangular
necessary.

Dix Hills, New York

patterns

for lead castings.

As a comparison,

Each

cast iron weighs about

inch.

lead keel mold is quite simple

made with planks,

197

that will do the job you are in luck.

when making

cubic inch of lead weighs about 0.41 pound.

Road,

DETAILS

to make (Figure

with either wood or plaster

It must be remembered

16-3B),

as it can be

fillets used to shape the corners when

that the keel will be heavy,

and this requires

that

the mold be strong so that it will not break apart when the lead is poured and that the
mold be supported

by husky braces and shores.

dry before starting,

The inside of the mold is given a thin

The plaster and the mold must be perfectly

coat of plaster to prevent it from burning.

as the lead will spatter

if poured into a wet mold and workmen

may be burned.
Making the mold for a shaped lead keel (Figure
reason

to have the keel sand-cast

in a foundry.

16-3C) is quite a task and is a good

As shown in the section,

forms are

made to the outside of the keel, plus the thickness of the mold, at stations and half stations. They are then set up rigidly (Figure 16-3D) and the mold is strip-built inside of
the forms. As the strips are fitted they are edge nailed to each other and to the forms.
The inside is finished to a set of templates representing
the finished keel plus an
allowance for shrinkage. Gouges and round-bottomed
planes are used for this work.
The casting will reflect
Lead,

fortunately,

iron melting

the degree of smoothness

has a low melting

pot, supported

point,

of your mold.

but at the least, you will need a large

by bricks so a roaring

wood or charcoal

fire can be built

under it, and several ;ron ladles. Better still is a melting pot with a pouring spigot or
pipe leading over the mold and a metal trough to distribute the molten metal over the
length of the keel. The top of the open mold must be level. A centerboard
taken care of by a plank of proper thickness
must be on hand to allow for discrepancies,
mold before pouring.

to act as a core.

slot can be

More than enough lead

and some of the pigs may be placed in the

Several hands will be needed,

because

the pouring must be car-

ried on to completion before the top of the lead already in the mold starts to solidify.
Start to pour when the lead in the pot is hot, distribute it in the mold, skim the slag
from the top, and puddle the molten lead to prevent the formation

of air pockets. Add

pigs to the pot as you pour, and they will quickly melt in the hot lead if the fire is kept
blazing. Allow at least a day for the casting to cool before removing the mold. The top
surface

of the lead casting

can be smoothed

holes for the keel bolts are drilled

with a woodworking

with a barefoot

wood auger

hand plane.

The

or with a twist drill

lengthened by welding a rod to the end, preferably used in an electric drill of ample
capacity.
Eirhk r drill must be frequently withdrawn to clear the lead shavings, and
kerosene

is used as a lubricant.

Where

necessary,

the outside of the keel is smoothed

with coats of trowel cement, and the cement is then sanded. The keel casting is liberally coated with thick white or red lead where it fits against keel and deadwood.

Standing

Rigging

Chainplates

Unless masts are designed to be free-standing,

from breaking by wire rope standing rigging.

they are kept straight and prevented

The mast loads are transmitted to the

198

MISCEI.I.ANEOlJS

DETAILS

hull by straps called chainplates.

and the designer
chainplates

The chainplates

should show on the construction

along with the size and number

It is a simple matter

to calculate

to the hull can be insufficient.

the planking

Blocks of this type eliminate

Inside chainplates

the necessity

the chainplates

it is better to bolt them to backing

the clamp.

of cutting

frames

(See Figure

16-4A.)

with fastenings,

which

as on the outside they will show unless neatly

and the metal may bleed and discolor the topside paint.
metals

steel for both plates and bolts, because

such

2s

bronze,

due to corrosion,

Monel.

boat chainplates

peculiar

to various

It

or Type 316 stainless

there have been many cases of

torn out under stress. This may result in a broken mast. There

types of small

are bolted

at that point.

is best to use corrosion-resistant

chainplates

However,

are to be preferred,

let flush into the planking,

of the

and are located either on the outside of the plank-

that are cut to bear against

weakens the hull somewhat

and details

of fastenings.

of the shroud. Sometimes

and a frame

frames

to the task,

The area of the wood in the hull against which the bolts

ing or between the planking and a frame.

blocks between

plan locations

equal

the strength of the metal parts, but their fastenings

bear must be equal to the strength

through

must be designed

classes,

are several

and these are shown in

detail on the plans for the boats. Referring to chainplates in general, the end of the lug
extending above deck should have only slightly rounded edges so as not to reduce
strength

unnecessarily.

compound

To stop leaks, the hole through

or fitted with a metal

collar

Sailing yachts of the more expensive

are fitted with a rectangular
bronze
which lugs for the shroud turnbuckles
trnding

type with a waterline

length upwards of 28 fret

plate between the frames and the planking to

are bolted or riveted. Diagonal metal straps ex-

to the keel are riveted to the plate and screwed to each frame crossed and the

keel. This

arrangement.

shown in Figure

large area and prevents the distortion

sheerline

of old wooden

16-4B,

boats.

The planking
for the straps as each strake is fitted.

Wooden

Spars

Most modern

sailboats

than

alloy extrusions.

There

often noticed in the

the frames

is carefully

are several manufacturers

spars that make them up ready for installation

wood is still extensively

Wooden

rather

the rigging loads over a

hogging,

have spars that are hollow, and there has been a definite

the use of aluminum

aluminum

distributes

of the hull. called

notched

toward

the deck should be filled with

set in compound.

in the boat.

trend
of

Despite this,

used for hollow spars.

spars are preferably

made of mast-grade

clear Sitka spruce because

it is a

light, strong wood. Clear fir and pine run rather far behind as second choice. Inasmuch as a mast is a column, the maximum sectional area is required at midlength of
the longest

unsupported

panel,

so to further

save weight

aloft,

the mast is tapered

from the point of greatest cross-sectional

area to the head and sometimes to the heel as
well. The edges on which sails are set, the top of the boom and the aft side of the mast,
are made straight

so the sails will set as they should.

When using modern waterproof glue, fastenings in spars are not required or even
desirable, as they add weight up high where it is detrimental
to the stability of the

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ATE5

h;?lCf=%??$;,;-;i$.IC5E

I;igu rc 164.
hoat. As a matter

of fact, hollow glued spars were in use years before truly watrrproof

glue was known.

water-resistant

varnish

to protect

long lengths,

the joints

and the majority

the range of available

scarphed

lengths.

Sitka spruce,

of amateur-built
When joining

fortunately.

feather-edged

patience
joint

is required.

the individual

in

Theoretically

pieces are

10 times the thickness of

as well as sharp tools are needed

of this type.

with coats of
is available

boats will have spars that fall within

on the flat, the length of the joint being made about

the piece. Considerable

fitting

casein glue being relied upon together

from moisture.

to make a perfectly

a glued joint

is as strong

or

200

MISCELLANEOUS

DETAILS

&fj~@!!!Jz?$kQ

+-/so
GLUEC

L.&x

S-A~PH
MA-X-

OR

0CWt-4

O.A.-

SECT!,?klS

d AST

I soL~ca=2

5%7A-i

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@J

B2A-r

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Horn

9ECE

5!+R-3

Figure

Qe,cdTgw,GH;pEm

Q-l=-

Ci-EP

?i%?

ROUT-R

mEct&
BOLT

EP!=?Z SF

5,+ii

16-S.

stronger than the wood, so that splices could be adjacent

to each other, but inasmuch

as a glued joint will be locally stiffer than the adjoining unjointed pieces, it is best to
stagger the scarphs as much as possible. Figure 16-5 shows a scarph and typical hollow
spar sections

in use today.

The simplest
forta.antl-aft

mast IO make is a hollow, rectangular

pircrs

rabhetrd.

is prcfcrrcd

box spar. This section,

by some builders

with the

because it is easier to con-

1101 skidding of the glued surtaces. The section next in simplicity is the round spar
made of hollowed-out halves. The larger spars, both the oval section and ,he round
srction made of staves, are the most difficult

to make and would be quite a job for the

amateur. Of the two, the oval is the easier in the smaller sizes, as it consists of two
round halves and two tapered side pieces. The wall thickness of oval and round spars is
always tapered

in the interest of weight saving.

Some of the sailboat

classes

use a solid mast

boltrope on the luft ot the mainsail.

with a groove

routed

out for the

This groove can be made by first making a saw cut

with a circular saw and then routing out the groove in the saw cut, using a very highspetbd cutter with a shank narrower than the saw cut. (Sue Figure 16-5.) To make a
boltrope

groove in a hollow spar made up of two rounded

gouged or machine
lhc

T-boom

tangular

Hollow

halves, the groove is hand

routed on each half before the sections

is used on smaller

sailboats.

which

are glued together.

also sometimes

have solid rec-

booms.

Rectangular

Probably
machine
maximum

Spars

the easiest way for an amateur

to make a box spar. unless he has extensive

tools, is to order the spar material

section

of the spar.

dressing up and finishing

there is nothing

dressed four sides to the dimensions

It is desirable

to add a slight thickness,

after the spar has been glued.

to do but taper

the pieces in accordance

plans. This is done by laying off the width at the spacing

spar, fairing
the lines. The

the shape with a long batten,

width layout for the forward

say

With such material

with the architects

at the

&,

for

at hand
detail

shown on the plan for the

and then sawing and planing

the edges to

and aft pieces is done from a centerline

MISCELLANEOUS
because

both edges are shaped.

and made at the same time.

joint

with 100 percent

Duplicate

sides may be temporarily

Be sure to keep the edges square,

surface

contact

cannot

a makeshift

a series of short boards horizontally

ground to support the outer ends. (See Figure

side of the spar that is to be straight,

nailed together

or else a perfect glued

spar bench may be devised

to a wall or fence,
16-6A.)

at the same height, or the top edges shimmed

201

be made.

When only one or two spars are to be made,

by nailing

DETAILS

with legs down to the

All supports should be level and

to be so, as upon them will be placed the

that is, the aft side of the mast or the top side of

the boom.
Shellac

the inside of spars, taking care not to coat the surfaces

Use a marking
pieces

gauge

and shellac

elsewhere

to scribe

between

as called

that will be glued.

the width of the side pieces on the forward and aft

the lines. The

filler

for by the plans are fitted

pieces at the ends of the spar and

and shellac

is also omitted

in way of

these. Because solid filler blocks have been known to swell and either split the spar or
cause poorly glued joints

to open up, some prefer

the pad-type

fillers glued to the in-

side before assembly as shown in sketch B, Figure 16-6. A long solid filler fitted at the
heel of the mast is bound to locally stiffen the mast due to the sudden increase in sectional area. The late Phil Rhodes, one of the great yacht designers, insisted upon a
block cut as shown in Figure 16-6C to avoid this situation and also advised running saw
cuts longitudinally on the block to allow for expansion. Provide drain holes in all solid
fillers cxcrpt the one at the masthead, so moisture will not collect and start rot.
When everything
paying partirular

is ready. mix the glue strictly

attention

to those regarding

in accordance

temperature

ing. Once the glue is mixed,

spread it quickly

sure there are enough clamps

at hand: it is surprising

with the instructions,

and working life after mix-

and thoroughly.

Before

gluing make

how many are needed,

as there

should bc one every few inches or so to apply the pressure required for the glue, particularly resorcinol. Although Figure 16-6a shows a boom that is larger than any that
the average amateur would attempt. it is a good illustratiorr of the number of clamps
used bv a builder to ensure a perfect job. Ail kinds of clamps may be utilized if their
openings
clamp

are sufficiently

pads to distribute

insufficient,
joined

wide to clamp

you can make satisfactory

together

the spar plus pieces of scrap used under the

pressure and prevent scars.

If the number

spar clamps

at the ends with bolts of at least

of your clamps is

of two husky pieces of oak or ash

92 n diameter.

(Set

sketch,

Figure

16-6D.)
The clamps should not be removed for at least 24 hours to allow the glue to develop
full strength.
corners,
paper.

Finish the spar by scraping

and then sand all sides smooth,

If a varnish

finished

finish is wanted

the excess glue from the seams,

gradually

Sitka spruce

working

has a beautiful

clear - apply at least four or five coats, carefully

round the

down to fine abrasive

appearance

when

sanding off the gloss between

coats.

Round
Even
(Figure

Hollow
though

Spars

a boat

may have a rectangular

16-6G) will be round,

mast

made in symmetrical

and boom,

the spinnaker

halves around

a centerline.

pole
First,

202

MISCELLANEOUS

Figure

DETAILS

16-6a.

get out two pieces of stock that will be square when clamped
of the pole in the middle.

surfaces

of the

material;

then lay out the inside of the pole, that is. the part to be hollowed.

Make

hollowing templates,

Figure 16-6E,

Mark centerlines

together and equal to the

diameter

on the mating

for points every two feet or so apart and constantly

use them to check as the wood is cut away. The templates

control

the wall thickness of

the finished spar and guard against ending up with walls that are too thin or not
uniform in thickness. The hollow portion is ended in a quick taper, as shown on the
sketch,

so that pole end fittings will be attached

When the halves have been glued together,

and then the square

assembly is tapered.

to solid wood.

the spar must be laid out on the outside,

The walls will then be of equal thickness

all

along the spars centerline. The next step is to cut the corners off the square and make
it eight-sided. This is done by drawing guide lines as done in Figure 16-6F. The following description

is an example

of how the guide lines might

along the length of the tapered assembly,

be laid out. At any point

the end of a rule is placed even with one cor-

ner, and the rule is pivoted until the 12 mark lines up with the opposite corner. Points
are made on the wood at the 3t$$ 0 and 8rh H marks on the rule. This is repeated at
every foot and a batten

is run through

he varied to suit differences

the points to draw a line. These figures should

in the diameter

of the spar, because for ease of layout, the

rule should be almost square across the spar. The ratio of 12-814-3%
can be reduced
or enlarged to suit any size of spar. For smaller spars of, say, 5 d diameter, the figures
can be halved. Therefore,

the end of the rule is held on one corner of the spar, and the

6 mark on the other, with points made at the 1% Nand 4 !LaII marks. When guide lines
have been drawn on all four sides, it is a simple matter to make the spar eight-sided
with a drawknife

and plane and to then round it off to be finished by sanding.

I
------

_____

Y-7

PVR ub.l~~~PhI WALL THIC~A?SS

USe: A TEMPLICITiZ
WCRY
-l-WC
feey
OR so vd-E*i
ROUhD
SCCTICUS

--------____
----------

HOLLONJIW
,

SPIt4kJAdiR

~.-

Ou~WR4lGHT~Td~.

Sl-RhlOHT

AFTsIDC
OF COOUS
SIIXD

FVLE

%
~ __ em+
Of Ak.JO
-IDIdhSl-5
ARE W?ZAGHr3

Fl?CWl

LdE5
MA-We\

XAWicl
0t.l
AL -V CUT

SICSC,

rwh

-!-AWLCC
I,- e @MT-

ROUND

Chamfer ~orndr5
droc moisture

LL *T
k!EcJw&qOhl

Figure

16-6.

Sbar-mak,rzg

drfails.

THRO

IM-

204

MISCELLANEOUS

DETAILS

A round mast for a marconi

making

sail will be straight

on the aft side but the method

of

it is the same.

Rigging

Atmchnents

for Wooden

Spars

Not too many years ago almost all masts were round and the upper ends of the standing rigging
location

were spliced

in a loop, dropped

and held in position by shoulder

the marconi

rig and the systems of stays for supporting

manufacturers

logical

It has more strength

rigging

therefore

oval or rectangular

it came taller masts, and the

a rope consisting

than any other rope of the same diameter

for looping around

section.

of
of a

wires twisted around it. This is known as 1 to 19 con-

to use to reduce windage.

not suitable

to the desired

With the introduction

of wire rope started to make what is called strand,

single wire core with eighteen

struction.

down over the masthead

cleats on the mast.

Consequently,

It is very stiff and difficult

a mast, particularly
spliced rigging

and is the

to splice and is

one with an elongated

has practically

disappeared

and the ends of the wire rope are fitted with swaged stainless steel terminals,

which are

attached to the mast by means of tangs. Most tangs are made of strong sheet metal,
like Everdur, Monel, or stainless steel, and are held to the mast by one bdt and a
number

of wood screws calculated

to take the outward

ponents of the stay. It is the job of the naval architect

light and strong,

and each tang is usually carefully

and downward

stress com-

to design tangs that arc both

detailed

for the job to be done.

The tangs can be made by a machine shop or a rigging specialist, or the enterprising
amateur can tackle the sheet metal work by fitting his bandsaw with a metal cutting
blade.

Besides making

the tangs exactly

according

to plan,

the builder must drill the

holes for the tang fastenings with care. Loose holes will permit the tangs to slip,
possibly overloading a few of the fastenings instead of letting all of the fastenings do
their share of the job.
and mizzen masts

Figure

of a ketch.

16-7 shows tangs for double

These

particular

tangs

made, with tube bolts used to save weight. Straps encircling

heels of the spreaders
Fore-and-aft

lower shrouds on the main

are strong,

simple,

and well

the mast with clips for the

are found a few inches above the tang bolts.

bolts for tangs have nuts on the aft side of the mast that would inter-

fere with the sail track if it were laid directly on the masts aft face. To get around this,
the sail track can be laid on a batten
the nuts. Battens

are also sometimes

binding due to contact

through the batten
as at the extreme
through-fastenings

that has been glued to the mast and cut away for
desirable

on booms

to prevent sail slides from

with the boom at their edges. The screws for the sail track go

and imo the wall of the spar. At certain

ends of a track and at reefed positions
rather

points of extra strain,

of the mainsail

such

headboard,

than screws should be used.

Mast Step
The compressive

load from the mast is taken by the mast step, which is of some hard-

wood like oak. The step is given a length of several frame spaces to distribute

the load

over the hull, and in boats of any size it is placed in notches in the floors after first having been notched itself. When carefully done, the resulting joint at each floor will pre-

MISCELLANEOUS

Figure

drain

205

16-7.

vent movement
floors,

DETAILS

Figure

of the step in any direction,

16.4C.

hole drilled

The

mortise

and in addition,

it is drift bolted to the

in the step to take the mast tenon should have a

at the low point so that water will not collect

typical step is shown in Figure

ltj-4B.

and rot the step. A

but like many other boat details,

there are other

types of steps, particularly

in small craft, and details will be found on the plans.
Masts are sometimes stepped on deck or on the cabin roof. The thrust load is then
carried
ample

down to the hull by a stanchion

or by strategically

located joiner

bulkheads

of

strength.

Aluminum

Alloy

Spars

The plans for the boat you are building will probably call out the specifications for the
parts if the spars are to be made of aluminum alloy. There is now a large choice of sizes
of extruded sections for masts, booms, spinnaker poles, and the like. and also a large
choice of fittings to complete the rig and make it work. Sailboat rigging is a business of
its own and is best left to the experts if you do not have the details of what you need.
There

are ads in the sailing magazines

for many spar suppliers and sailmakers

help with your problems

if you have decided

known firms are Kenyon

Marine,

to use aluminum

New Whitfield

Street,

ready to

spars. Among the best-

Guilford.

Connecticut

06437;

206

MISCELLANEOUS

DETAILS

Figure
Schaefer

Spars,

Sailmakers,

Industrial

Inc.,

16-8.

Park, New Bedford,

100 S. W. 15th Street,

Figure 16-8 is a section through

Vertical

Fort Lauderdale,

an extrusion

for the sail and a groove for the boltrope

in Figure

Massachusetts

02745;
Florida

for a mast.

and Mack-Shaw
33315.

In this design there is a slot

of the sail similar

to the wooden mast section

16-5.
Tie

Rod

The forces from the thrust of the mast and the upward pull of the rigging tend to collapse the hull, so that in moderate-size
step and mast partner

boats it is well to fit a tie rod between the mast

as shown in Figure

16.4B.

The rod is threaded

on both ends for

nuts which are set up over washers. Just take up the nuts snugly when installing

them,

as there is no need to try to putt the deck and step together.

Types

of Rudders

A rudder

consists

transmitted
powerboat

of a wood or metal

to the blade and around

rudders,

The location

it is attached

blade

which it pivots.

waterline,

or it is hung outboard

balanced,

with all the blade area abaft

force required

Powerboat
Modern

meaning

on the transom.

which

for common

force

is

types of

called gudgeons and pintles.

forward of the after end of the

Further,

the rudder is either

the stock or pivot point,

of the area forward of the stock.

to turn the rudder

through

Except

to the hull by hangers

of the rudder is eithtir inboard,

anced, with a percentage

and a stock

un-

or it is partly bal-

In the case of the latter the

is reduced.

Rudders
powerboat

rudders

are

now almost

invariably

made

of metal,

formerly they were often of wood. They are sometimes

of galvanized

into a split stock through

The

blade of cast manganese

which the blade

is riveted.

although

sheet steel, fitting

most common

type has a

bronze bossed for a rolled bronze or None1 stock that is in-

serted in the head of the rudder.

This is a more durable

blade than a steel one. Figure

MISCELLANEOIJS

DETAILS

207

C-i? 3?=\ZE 23
;-A-5 572,
j
j I
5
.d:;:t ;

?>,

I
I
i

-p<

0A

v(

I* -5xEj

I\ .
\ ;cyy:gL,l
L

- f3ne
., LsEetEr
F-ZCK
c -v
+=l
,
\ 4 yt;r-,yfg0a I\L,: e,rtEEL
16-9A shows this type of rudder supported

Figure

16-9.

at the top by the rudder port, a stuffing box

to prevent leaks where the stock enters the hull, and at the bottom by a pintle riding in
a hole in a metal skeg. A spade-type
the same

manner.

rudder is sketched

but is not supported

in Figure

at the bottom

16-9B and is made in

and is more

liable

to catch

lobster pot buoys and the like. It is a clean design and results from an effort to reduce
underwater

resistance

the bottom

of the rudder.

each of the propellers

sketched

Small

by cutting

and gives excellent

may be purchased

Sailboat

away the deadwood,

so there is no way of supporting

On twin screw boats a spade-type

in 4 number

steering

qualities.

rudder

behind

of sizes.

Rudders

Small centerboard

sailboats

have an outboard

rudder as shown in Figure 16-10A.

blade may be of one or more pieces, depending

case it should be doweled with galvanized
the grain direction

upon available

of the wood should be alternated

The blade area below the surface

on the sections in the sketch, with the maximum

of the water is streamlined

thickness

cent of the blade width aft of the leading edge of the rudder.
and pintles as seen in any marine
disengaged

The

but in any

warping,

and

from piece to piece for the same

dicated

may float up and become

material,

iron or brass rod to prevent

reason.

ety of gudgeons

is used

The two types of rudders

hardware

in shape, as in-

being about 25 per-

When the common vari-

catalog

is used, the rudder

from the boat, leaving the skipper with a tiller in

hand but no control over rhe boat. To prevent

this, the rudder may be weighted with

an insert of lead heavy enough to offset the buoyancy of the blade, or the upper pintle
can be drilled for a cotter pin just below the gudgeon. The tiller is fixed, or preferably
made to hinge so it can be raised when tacking.
In shoal

water localities

the small

boat

outboard

rudder

is often

made

with a

208

MISCELLANEOUS

DETAILS

FtlnxlER
PWl-l-E
RUDDER

HEAD

,,---

7lLLClC
FlrnuG

au

,P~vioTit.lG

RUDDEI~

b3JDDER

16-10. Small sailboat rudders

Figure

5LllJlhll3

A t=Ed 5TAtJDAc2C

TZALL
OAROE(L

FITTINGS

and fittings.

pivoting blade so that it may be raised to clear obstructions.

(See Figure 16.10B.) This
is done by pivoting the blade between long cheek pieces riveted securely to a filler of
the same thickness
buoyancy

as the blade.

A lead insert is needed to prevent it from rising due to

or the forward motion

while sailing

of the boat.

A light line is used to raise the rudder

over shoal areas.

Some of the standard fittings available from marine stores are sketched in Figure
16- 1OC. Besides these, several of the marine hardware manufacturers
make sets of fittings for small outboard rudders that prevent the rudder from coming off, yet leave
the rudder readily removable from the transom. Rudder fittings should be bolted
rather

than screwed to the transom.

Large

Sailboat

Figure 16-11A
enough

Rudders
shows the rudder for a keel sailboat

to take a few bolts through

in which the stock is run down far

the piece of blade next to it. A strap is fitted as

shown at the end of the stock to prevent it from bending

the blade
gudgeon

when

the rudder

are fitted

from pressure of water against

is turned. At the bottom of the rudder a pintle

Unfortunately,
the variety of rudder shapes

for support.

and
and

thicknesses is so great that stock fittings are not available and patterns must be made
for castings. These fittings are usually detailed by the architect with enough dimensions so that,

together

with templates

made on the hull and rudder,

terns can be turned out for the use of the foundry.

nonferrous
tough,

metals

for rudder

strong Tobin

good grade manganese

square inch.

fittings.

bronze or Everdur

It is inadvisable

One of the best materials

shafting,

the necessary patto use anything

but

for rudder stocks is

while the cast parts should be of a

bronze with tensile strength

Do not skimp on the quality of fittings,

of not less than 60,000

because

pounds per

the rudder is important.

MISCELLANEOUS

DETAILS

209

EC
Figure

16-11.

Larger

rudders mus! be made of pieces that are doweled or drift bolted together

indicated

as

by the plans. The size of dowels and bolts should be shown by the designer

and may be decreased

in diameter

near the trailing

so the wood will not be weakened

one another

or the pieces cannot

the middle

edge, where the blade is thinner,

by the fastenings.
bc joined together,

of the blade to prevent

their coming

Dowel holes must be parallel

and all fastenings

through

they lock the pieces together.

edge have a slot cut far enough

piece of wood is inserted

to each other,

and when

Drifts driven from the trailing

in from the edge so the head will be hidden,

to fill the slot. The enlarged

how the blade is tapered.

must be kept in

when the blade is tapered.

Drift bolts used in heavier rudders do nut have to be parallel

driven at varying angles,

to

section in Figure

and then a

16-11A shows

It may be seen that the amount of work required

to make a

rudder should not be underestimated.

If the builder

is fortunate

be saved by planing
tapering

in adjacent

of the sternpost
with a minimum
is sheathed
sheathing

enough
piece

to have a thickness

to its thickness

is done with plane and spokeshave.

alternated

painting,

each

planer,

some hand labor can

at the forward

edge.

of disturbance.

As mentioned

all

The sketch also shows how the grain is

pieces to prevent or minimize

warping,

and how the after edge

is hollowed out so water will flow past the deadwood

in Chapter

onto the rudder

8, the edge of the sternpost

1/? thick for protection from worms and to eliminate

which is practically
impossible
without
unshipping
the rudder. The
is carried around the sides by an inch or so and secured with copper tacks.

The forward

with copper

Otherwise

about

edge of the rudder

blade begins aft of the center of the stock so that the

rudder can be turned hard over without fouling the sternpost. With the rudder arranged as shown in Figure 16-11 A, water is kept out of the hull by screwing a threaded
brass or bronze pipe into a hole drilled in the horn timber.

The hole must be just the

right amount smaller than the pipe so the threads will take hold, and it must be drilled
at the correct angle. The best way to start the hole is to cut through a block (shown
dotted in the figure) having its face at right angles fcJ the center of the stock. This can
be laid out from your mold loft drawings and a drilling
that the hole is drilled at the proper angle.

guide can be devised to ensure

RuDDEP
AL/V
-

Foe

IL4AW

210

MISCELLANEOUS

DETAILS

.nEz~
STAGGEPED

FLUS-

B;*zEym
iv)&
-42
BeorJZE
A0OuT

3 WI CE

TL?AILiNG

l-E
,=?I?.\
m.

Fi,gure

Rudders

(Figure

AFT

-.

!=L?R
CPA\\
---.-

IUEf
._.. ----

Sailboats

cut in the deadwood

16- 11 B). The aperture

such that the propeller

the aperture

hiJLC

is fitted with an engine

be a hole or aperture

ATE

PL

16-12.

for Auxiliary

When a sailboat

\l

ECGE

SHEATHING
--

and the shaft is on the centerline,

there must

and rudder in which the propeller

should not be larger than necessary,

blades will not strike the rudder

can turn

but its size must be

when revolving.

The edge of

can be checked on the mold loft floor by setting up a semicircular

the same diameter

as the propeller

on the propeller

piece of thin plywood or heavy cardboard

centerline,

on the centerline

disc of

and then hinging

of the rudder.

The aper-

ture is cut away by trial until the rudder can bc swung 40 degrees off center and still
clear the propeller blades. (See sketch, Figure 16-12.)
It is not sufficient to end the rudder stock at the top of the aperture: it must either
partly surround the opening as shown in Figure 16-11B. or completely encircle it as
shown in Figure
complete

long pattern
machining

16.1lC.

Sometimes

the latter

method

is carried

stock in one piece from upper end to the pintle

is needed,
is required

the casting
to finish

is not the easiest

the job.

A shorter

to make,

casting

out by casting

below the aperture,

and quite

around

the

but a
a lot of

the aperture,

as

shown, is hard to beat for strength, and except for filing rough spots from the casting,
the only machinin, = needed is to taper, bore, and keyway the upper end for the stock,
drill holes in the blade straps, and turn a pintle or b arc for an inserted pintle on the
lower end. The blade straps shown are cut from flat bronze and secured with counter-

! /fl b >; :

MISCELLANEOUS

Figure

the apertuie casting,

tapered

ing off the two-piece

split gudgeon

disengage

pintle

the bottom

adapted,

and the stock and lifting

from the heel gudgeon.

This will very likely be a special job,

A stuffing

tiller fitting,

to

box is shown on the

fittings be

The upper end of the stock

or in larger

boats for a wheel

There are several varieties of each of these items made by the marine hardware

manufacturers.
An expensive and by no means necessary
the trailing
Thk

a cleep hole by ;ak-

the rurder enough

as seldom can star.dard

due to the angle between stock and horn timber.

of any rudder has a keyway for a standard

steerer.

and keyed to

and is secured with a pinned nut on the lower end. A rud-

der made like this may be removed from the hull without digging

horn timber.

211

16-13.

sunk rivets. The stock, of course, is made from bronze shafting,

match

DETAILS

edge as illustrated

is made

sheathing

refinement

in Figure 16-12B

by templating

the shape

to a rudder is to bronze sheath

and in the photograph,

of the trailing

edge

and

Figure 16-13.
bandsawing

the

from a sheet of bronze about &, V to X2 Minch thick. and there is much waste.
and laid on the rudder to mark a rab-

The edges of the curved strips are filed smooth

bet that is cut so the sheathing

by means
together,

of countersunk
then ground

wiil be flush with the surface of the blade. Fastening

head rivets as shown,

reasonably

I;harp.

and the trailing

Sometimes

the rudder

is

edges are brazed

on a new boat will

vibrate so that it chatters considerably,

a condition remedied by sharpening the trailing edge somewhat, but the sheathed rudder is perfect from the start and is usually fitted on cruisers and racers of the finest quality.

Steering
There

Controls

are various means of transmitting

the simple tiller for an outboard

directional

forces to the rudder,

rudder shown in Figure 16-10A.

starting with

When the rudder is

212

MISCELLANEOUS

inboard,
steerer
These

DETAILS

more complicated

methods

with the wheel and gearing

gears must be carefully

sailboats

aligned

have the wheel farther

nected to a quadrant
rope running

must be used. Some sailboats

attached

to the upper

and securely

have an Edson-type

end of the rudder

fastened

away from the rudder and use a pedestal steerer con-

over sheaves.

The Edson Corp., 471 Industrial Park Road, New Bedis one of the worlds largest producers of sailboat steerers

02745,

and issues a catalog

that is practically

utilizes husky push-pull

a design handbook.

cable steering

from a pedestal

A recent Edson innovation

in lieu of cable-over-pulley

nections to the rudder tiller. This greatly simplifies the installation.

There are several types of steerers for powerboats.
One method
steerer.

at the wheel a.nd chain

Others

use a gearbox

and wire rope similar

at the wheel or elsewhere

pull cable

sizes of boats,

con-

uses a reduction

to the sailboat

pedestal

in the system and connect

the rudder arm with shafts, solid or pipe. A more modern

small to medium

Other

on the rudder stock with a length of sprocket and chain and wire

ford, Massachusetts

gear steerer

stock.

to the structure.

type of steerer,

suitable

to
for

uses a rack and pinion at the wheel and a heavy push-

from the rack to an arm at the rudder.

This is by far the simplest

type of

steerer and is seen in many boats because it is the least expensive to install.
The fortunate builder has good detail of the steering system on his plans: otherwise
he has been left on his own to work it out. The steering
much of the interior

joinerwork

gear parts be securely

wire rope

sheaves.

has been built.

fastened

The

to prevent movement

latter

should

aligned to reduce friction and eliminate

nonferrous

whenever

should be installed

It is most important

before too

that all steering

of units such as the steerer and

be through-bolted

and should

be carefully

wear on the wire rope. All parts should aiso be

possible.

Due to the high cost of labor,

dard with the stock powerboat

manual

hydraulic

manufacturers.

of a pump that is turned by the steering

steering

has almost become

stan-

This type of steering consists essentially

wheel, a hydraulic

cylinder,

and a reservoir,

all connected by three tubes or hoses of small diameter.

There cpn be two or more
steering stations-it
makes little difference as long as there are no leaks in the piping-so

the more

drawback,

the number

and this is a matter

of stations
of design,

the more

advantageous

the system.

One

is the great zumber of steering wheel turns

In the larger boats, the number of turns

from hard over to hard over of the rudder.

can be reduced

by introducing

one. One of the largest suppliers

a power-driven

Box 668,

Osprey,

Florida

of hydraulic

pump instead of a manually

steering

components

operated

is Hynautic,

Inc.,

33559.

Fuel Tanks
Due to the danger of explosion and fire, the construction
particularly
struction

gasoline

should

not be taken

are well covered by standards

written by people
Guard.

tanks,

with long experience,

The standards

well. (See Chapter

The standards

and installation

lightly.

set by the American

and most recently

are only as good as your compliance

17 and Recommended
specify the all-important

of fuel tanks,

Both installation

and con-

Boat and Yacht Council,

(1977)

by the U.S.

Coast

with them, so heed them

Reading.)
matter

of tank materials.

Monel Alloy 400

MISCELLANEOUS
remains

probably

the finest metal from which to make tanks,

diesel fuel, but it is extremely

for

diesel

fuel tanks

breakthrough
aluminum

but

DETAILS

either

for gasoline

high in cost. Steel remains the most inexpensive

must not have

since the last edition

for the construction

a coating

of certain

nection

and that it shows it was tested.

to the bonding

One caution

as called for

Also, be sure that it has a tab for con-

system of the boat.

about aluminum

tanks concerns

the connection

of metal fittings,

as metal tubing and metal ends of fuel hoses, to the tank, because
be galvanically

alloys of

Now tanks can be welded of alloys 5052,

5083, or 5086.
When buying a fuel tank, be sure it bears the label of the manufacturer
by the standards

or

material

of any sort on the inside.

of this book is the approval

of fuel tanks.

213

compatible

with the aluminum

weld half of an aluminum

pipe coupling

alloy. One way to avoid trouble

threads

of the coupling

size of the opening;

you must start out with a coupling

larger than usual. Fill and vent connections

can be slipped over and clamped
All valves in the fuel piping,
engine (and fuel return

half.

The bushing

unthreaded

reduces

the

that is a size or two

to the tank are normally

to aluminum
including

is to

to the tank and then screw a stainless steel

pipe bushing into the female

therefore

such

the metal may not

of hose, and these

nipples welded to the tank.

those at the tank for the fuel suction to the

line in diesel systems),

must be of the approved

packless type,

which do not leak at the stems.

And one final
anywhere

except

word:

openings

in the tank

for any purpose

are not permitted

on the top surface of the tank.

A tank manufacturer
that has made hundreds of aluminum
alloy fuel tanks for
stock and custom boatbuilders
as well as for the one-off people is Florida Marine
Tanks,

Tank

Inc.,

16480

Capacity

Figure

N. W. 48th Avenue,

by figuring

U.S. gallons.
dimensions

Florida

33014.

Calculation

16-14 shows tank shapes commonly

capacity

Hialeah,

used in boats and how to calculate

their

the volume in cubic inches and dividing by 231 to find contents

Boatbuilders

seem to always work the capacities

are taken in feet, the cubic capacity

is multiplied

in

from inch dimensions.

If

by 7.48 for the answer in

gallons.
The cylindrical and rectangular tanks A and B are straightforward
to figure. Shape
C is typical of a tank installed under the cockpit of a sailboat. The sides are parallel
but the top and bottom

are not, due to hull shape. The cross-sectional

area W times H

is the average of the area of the ends, or the same as the area at midlength
Shape

D is often

used for tanks located

under

the floor of a cabin,

of the tank.

and again

the

volume is the length times the average of the area of the ends. The W measurements
are taken at midheight

Propeller
Propeller

Shafts

and

of the ends.

Bearings

shafts must be made from strong,

of the best metals,

non-corrosive

material.

Monel Alloy 400 and the higher strength

At this writing two

Monel Alloy K-500

have

TAti<

CApAC17-y

0A

fibLL0Fd.S

(DlMEdSlo~5

1b-i (J-s-

/
;.

6 ALJ.=

Id

INCH&)

L%3.\4SCKlZ
231

Q
H

LXH%W
231

00

Figure

CiALS_

16-l<.

MISCELLANEOUS
just about priced themselves

out of the pleasure

content,

the reason why little people,

and this is probably

afford them. A somewhat

bronze,
ing

weaker metal, although

but this seems to have disappeared

a used

materials,

Tobin

shaft)

notably Armcos

and

been

Aquamet

but in typical intermittent

standard

tioned

Typical

P-6 has charts for selecting

while the outboard

hub bore and threads

done so the propeller

cannot

by various

stainless

of find-

steel

shafting

Aquamet

17 is a strong, suitable

22 is a better

diameter,

American

choice.

Boat

and Yacht

the sizes of shafts for the materials

men-

spacing.

shafts have a keyway machined

to the engine,

are high in nickel

for many years, is Tobin

boat use, then Aquamet

yacht service

above and also for bearing

standard

215

17, 18, and 22. If the shaft is going to be turning

If your boat plans do not specify the shaft

Council

These

unlike governments,

(but dont overlook the possibility

replaced

most of the time, like in commercial

metal,

boat market.

DETAILS

on one end for the propeller

shaft coupling

end has a taper with keyway to match

for the propeller

locking

nuts. The tapering

the propeller

must be carefully

will fit properly and is best left to a shaft supplier

who is set up

for this work. Dimensions for machining the shaft end and propeller hub have long
been standardized,
at least in the U.S., and the SAE data for this is usually tabulated
and illustrated in the catalogs of the propeller makers. When setting up the length of
your shaft, allow one shaft diameters clearance
between the propeller hub and the
strut.
Figure

16-15A

motorboat.
batten
shaft

shows a longitudinal

The same section

section

at the shaft centerline

applies to a common

and cutaway skeg. It shows the usual modern

log with a stuffing

around

box inboard

to prevent

arrangement

long to require

additional

with a keel

of a rubber-necked

water from leaking

the shaft, and a strut to support the shaft at the propeller.

are used when the shaft is sufficiently

of a twin screw

single screw motorboat

into the boat

Intermediate
support.

The stuffing box and the shaft log are both of bronze and are connected
length

of rubber

minor

misalignment

proven

hose secured

by clamps.

of the shaft.

The

hose helps to reduce

Shaft logs are made in the several

the most useful for the majority

of boats,

struts

by a short

vibration

due to

angles that have

but they may have to be shimmed

with a wedge of wood in your boat to get the correct alignment. The base flange of the
shaft log must be made watertight by bedding the flange with a generous amount of
bedding

compound,

Wherever
otherwise
*a

The

possible,

such

therefore

or with one of the thiokol-base

wood screws of the same metal should

shaft hole through

because

as Dolfinite,

the base should be through-fastened

the hole is difficult

susreptible

to worm damage.

Some shaft logs are designed

materials.

bronze

bolts;

be used.

the wood should be treated

to clean

with silicon

and paint

with polyester

later with the shaft

This precaution

with a tube integral

or epoxy resin,
in place and is

is very important

indeed.

with the base. The tube is a lining

for the shaft hole and is cut off flush with the outside of the hull. This type of shaft log
is rather special and is not used as frequently as the kind that terminates at the base.
Another type of special shaft log is sometimes used in moderate to large size boats
where the shaft is quite long in proportion
bearing

between

the first intermediate

to the diameter

and it is desirable

shaft strut and the engine.

logs are made that have a short length of bearing.

The bearing

to have a

In this case shaft

is housed so the for-

<TTCPu BEAClUG

/n

CVTLE-X

CACTtUG
PeneuG

t----t-Y

,?-.-1
I
1-k\
.--&&E iP.45-e.$,
7
I)&,EE<Y-e.
\\
\\ I/II/ICC..E7
\,\ J/ cr,,m

uSHAFT

COMMOU

TYPE

-n-i~u

B~iiC\xoc~D

OF

-1.

LdL,3 -

TE:r

JL

Y~-\FT
.---.I

SECT
COTIE

Figure

16-15.

~-HZ.
~~DZ;~
11 7-v PE FEPLz,rJlj

,+..-..

l?Z.3
-

F
- u-~.

ZC

.--AFT

MISCELLANEOLS
ward end is not exposed
cooling

water tapped

to a flow of water;

into the log forward

water lubrication
of the bearing.

that usually piped into the exhaust line for cooling,

DETAILS

is provided

The

217

by engine

water used is part of

but the diversion

is not detrimen-

tal, because only a small amount is sent to the shaft log bearing.

This type of shaft log

is specially made up and not found in marine supply catalogs.

A part of the propulsion setup that is almost always a special

item is the propeller

shaft strut. As specified

by the plans, these are either the single amI or the v type, and

due to the angle of the shaft and the shape of the hull it is nearly impossible
stock strut that will fit. There
might just do the job.
16-15A

or a mock-up

pair to fit the boat.

umbian
struts,

Bronze

are, however,

Otherwise,

enough

dimensions

I am not advertising
Freeport,

Corp.,

so they have many

patterns

Struts are fastened

through

11520

have a screwdriver

These

bolts are best oldered

beat the Goodrich

that may be adapted

with moderate

the planking

and the inside blocking

slot to keep the bolt from turning

from

Cutless-type

the strut

bearing,

has grooves that channel

and sand, thus minimizing

the strut and secured

manufacturer,

alterations.

to an optional

bearing,

boat goes through

the deadwood.

The latter
for bearing

The stuffing

has a Cutless-type
lubrication.

shell. This type

and for washing out silt

is lightly pressed into
are four times the shaft

and they are often reduced

bearing

when the shaft of a single-engine

and a water scoop on each side of the

box can be had rubber

necked,

with a

piece of hose between the stuffing box and the casting.

Both stuffing

the stern bearing

and are readily available.

Water

are stock items of marine

hardware

will fill the hole for the shaft and must be prevented

hull through joints

in the deadwood

to

can be cut to make two

box is inside the hull, the stern bearing

bearing

The stuffing

bonded to an outer

plastic-type

shaft wear. The shell of the bearing

struts, so that one standard

the length

in the strut. It is hard to

in water for lubrication

in length when used as the aftermost

and

while it is tightened.

which is made of rubber

intermediate
ones.
Figure 16-15A also shows a typical arrangement

casting

of special

with silicon bronze

specifying

with one or two set screws. The bearings

half length in intermediate

outside.

thousands

bronze.

shell of bronze or, if the hull is aluminum,

diameter

but over the years Col-

has made

needed.
You might as well have the strut maker install the bearing

of bearing

as shown in Figure

bronze bolts. The heads of the bolts should be oval and countersunk

should

that

so he can make up one or a

anybody in particular,

New York

to find a

struts on the market

on a sketch

must be sent to a strut manufacturer

Most struts are made of cast manganese

or manganese

some adjustable

structure.

box assembly and

from leaking into the

This is done by fitting a tube between

the stuffing box and stern bearing castings, either a lead sleeve as shown in A of the
figure (the lead is easily flanged by hammering) or a bronze tube special ordered from
a supplier

like Columbiar.

ends of a threaded
bolts.
The

stuffing

impregnated

box

asbestos

pipe.

Bronze.

The

The castings

packing
braid,

pilots of the castings

should

is square,
and is installed

be fastened

either

waxed

as individual

gered so they are not all in line, thus preventing

leaking.

can be tapped

for the

to the wood with hanger

braided
rings,

flax

or

Teflon-

with the joints stag-

LEFT

HAND

$?IGHT

kV<lNG

Fbgure

+M

r(4~D

A$-+-EC?t.l

16-16.

Direction
Screw

fWD

of Propeller

propellers

astern,

Rotation

are made

either

right-hand

a shaft that turns clockwise

turns counterclockwise

requires

takes a left-hand

twin screw boats to be of opposite

or left-hand.
a r$ht-hand

propeller.

rotation

Looking
propeller

It is customary

forward

from

and a shaft that

for the propellers

and to turn outboard

in

as shown in Figure

16-1G.

Aligning

Propeller

Shaft Couplings

If there is misalignment
not only be unnecessary
to the rear bearing
the engine mated

between
vibration

the engine

and propeller

shaft couplings

when the engine is running

and seal of the reverse gear. The shaft should be installed

to it. If there are only two support

bearing or strut bearing

and a rubber-necked
between the coupling

for the shaft,

first and
the stern

shaft log, block up the shaft inboard

the shaft log to prevent the shaft from sagging

geuge, test for alignment

bearings

there will

but also possible damage

at the rubber

neck. Lacking

halves by inserting

of

a feeler

four strips of paper

as shown in Figure 16.17. You can tell by gently pulling on the strips whether the
pressure, and thus the gap, is the same for all pieces. Hardwood and thin brass shims
are used under the engine mounts

until the alignment

final test is to tighten down the engine

is as perfect

and still have good alignment

as possible.

The

of the couplings.

Many engines are equipped with adjustable mounts that need but a wrench to lift or
lower them a few thousands of an inch, and some of the larger engines have jacking
screws built into the mounts for the same purpose.
If aligning

of the engine is done with the boat out of water,

it must be tested again

MI.~CEi~l.ANEOC~.S DE?,-IILS

when the vessel is launched

throwing
Pulley

out the alignment

because

some

shape

when water-borne,

that was done while hauled out.

Drives

lhc boatbuilder

is often

pump or rxtra generator

faced with figuring

Driven

out a v-belt

pulley ratio when a bilge

is to br driven from a power take-off

lhe fortnulitt~ below art handy for finding

pulley diameter

pulley on an engine.

or spcrd in RPM.

pulley:

Driving

Engine

hulls change

219

RPM

-_

Diameter

Diameter

RPM

diameter

x RPM of drivel

diamctcr
diameter

of driven

x RPM

RPM

of driver

of driven

pullry:
diameter

x RPM of driven

RPM
diameter

of driver

x RPM of driven

diameter

of driver

Controls

The engine is almost always located some distance away from the steering station of
the boat, so remote controls must be installed for operating the throttle, the reverse
gear,

and an emergency

shutdown

in the case of some two-cycle

diesel engines.

This

used to be done with complicated linkages of rods, pipes, and bell cranks and was a job
One of the greatest boons was the advent of the hydraulic
of major proportions.

220

MISCELLANEOUS

reverse gear,

DETAILS

requiring

many foot-pounds

but fingertip

effort on a small lever on the gear instead of the

of effort needed

to operate

the old manual

push-pull cable controls now seen in most boats, a method

time and cost of installation.

The engine

set of levers at the steering station

the engine,

brand of engine

for connecting

Control

Panish Transdyne,

Street,

Hudson,

4806 N. E. 12th Avenue,

with a first class product

Avenue,

Vancouver,

are also sources

British

is Kobelt

cables,

Limerick, Pennsylvania
19468.
The length of cables between control
but they should

be installed

Another

pioneer in control

Fort Lauderdale,

firsthand

Columbia,

for push-pull

to the gear and throttle.

by one of the oldest makers,

Ohio 44236.

fit that can give advice from much

market

maker usually has kits for each

for each job.

heads of high quality can be furnished

21 Clinton

reduced the

cables running from the levers to

The control

the engine end of the cables

brackets

This led to the

system now consists of an attractive

and two push-pull

one each for gear and throttle.

The5.e save hou1.z of making

Controls,

control

clutch.

that drastically

experience.

Manufacturing

Canada

V5T

as is Teleflex.

Florida 33308,
A newcomer
Co.,

Ltd.,

Morse
heads is
an out-

in the U.S.
235 East 5th

lH2.

The first two mentioned

Inc.,

640 North

Lewis Road,

levers and the engine can be almost unlimited,

with a minimum

number

of bends,

and the minimum

bend radii for the size of cable being used must not be exceeded.

Contrary

nions of some, it is a mistake to restrict

cables. They should

only be secured sufficiently

tle time spent planning
bends. The control

the movement

of push-pull

to keep them from interfering

the cable

manufacturers

to the opi-

with other equipment.

A lit-

runs will show which way has the least number

furnish

really good instructions

for making

of

the in-

stallation.
A variation

of a control

favored by many operators.

head with two levers per engine

is the single lever control

Two cables per rngine are still required,

is planned the same as when there are two levers.

When two or rnc*e control stations are planned

so the installation

and would require

long runs of

cables with many bends, consideration

should be given to hydraulic controls for the
Inc.,
mentioned
earlier in this chapter under Steering
throttle and gears. Hynautic.
Controls,

has a system that may do the job for you.

Engine

Connections

Water,

fuel, and electrical

connections

to an engine should always have slack so vibra-

tion cannot cause premature failure of the lines. Cooling water lines to the engine
should be hose, double clamped at each end with stainless steel hose clamps whenever
possible. On the other hand, fuel lines should be hose of approved type with threaded
ends and rtezler clamped.
The reader should heed the relatively new regulations
described in the following chapter.
A good number of boats have sunk because exhaust
clamped

to the adjoining

widths and hose overlap permitted

on this subject.

hoses have been inadequately

rigid pipes or tubes. Figure 16-18 shows the minimum

See the following

by the American
chapter

clamp

Boat and Yacht Council standard

for additional

reference

to the ABYC.

MISCEI.L.~lNEOI~S
Ohk CLAM4

W\DTc(

II

M~hd.

wo

uo5e

Electrical

221

CLAMPS

Mlfd. WIOfH

Figure

DETAILS

of

~%cI=! r 12

16-18.

System

Here is a part of modern boatbuilding that can get a builder into a lot of trouble. If he
is lucky, there will be only one voltage on board, such as 12 volts direct current.
However, more often these days there will also be 115 volts of alternating
a shoreline
perhaps

connection

also operate

not running,

to operate

AC-powered

generator

cooking

to keep the batteries

the AC side of a dual voltage refrigerator

and to operate

AC independent

a charger

air conditioning

while dockside.

when the engines are

Progressing

range,

heating

or air conditioning,

television,

in USC aboard,

such as 12 and 24 or 12 and 32. The complications

Boat and Yacht Council standards

are endless:

Materialwise.

the standards

that alfe~tpl

an

such as an

etc. And farther

and also IWO DC voltages,

in some of the larger

thrrc seems to be no end at all. But this has been recognized,

American

further,

on board can be used to provide conveniences

along the line there can be ~UWAC voltages

yachts

current from

topped off and to

and there are

to keep things manageable.

matter

of overload pro-

tection to avoid fire and to the type of insulated conductors necessary

various environments aboard a boat. The conductor size is governed

to cope with the

by the length of

thr wire and the ampere

stranded

are a guide to the all-important

load to be carried,

rather than solid to minimize

approved

crimped

terminals

The I1.S. Coast Guard

IO tragic cxprriences
Guard guideline

and the wires of the conductors

failure

from vibration.

and should preferably

also has something

in the past, particularly

to safe electrical

switchboards

ware store-type

recognized

availahle

by the appearance

tection.

Now, there

are DC panels and combination

circuit breakers

of batteries.

There

the circuits

used in many boats,

utilize

custom

Marinetics

is a sufficient

designed

Corp.,

P.O.

selection

circuit

of

the only hard-

12-volt DC panel

breakers

for circuit

pro-

DC and AC panels of various

and meters to show loads and the condition

of panels and load capacities

and this often

and built switchboards.

Box 2676,

due

on the market

For years,

has been a small

having six to a dozen toggle switches and automotive

sizes, all having approved

installations,

engines. The Coast

is listed in the following chapter.

standards.

to boatmen

should be
must be by

as well.

to say about electrical

system installation

meeting

switchboard

be soldered

in boats with gasoline

Life is being made easier for the boatbuilder

standardized

Connections

Newport

eliminates

the necessity

One of the pioneers

Beach,

California

92663.

to take care of
of having to
in this field is

222

MISCELLA

Battery

NEOLJS llET/lILS

Storage

Boxes

The clrctrolyte

in a lead-arid

metals, so it is important
unsecured
multiple

battery
units,

storage

to overturn:

must

battery

to prevent spillage.
therefore

bc secured.

is very destructive

the battery,

For small

craft

molded plastic cases, with straps and hold-down

whether
there

batteries.

Onr of the simplest

resistant by carefully

it consists of a single or

are on the market

coveted

fittings to keep the thing in place.

larger boats there might be a bank of two engine starting

to eight ships service

to wood and certain

The worst thing that can happen is for an

batteries

In

and a bank of two

for which custom boxes must be built.

containers

is made

and completely

of plywood,

with its interior

lining the box with fiberglass.

made

acid-

The inside dimen-

sions of the box should be about 3i Wlarger all around than the battery to provide
space for spilled water, which can be removed by suction with an oven baster. A couple of expendable
the clearance.

wooden blocks can be used to keep the battery

The top should be of a material

plosive hydrogen generated when the battery

top also guards against the possibly dangerous
tool be accidentally
Figure

Fresh

dropped

battery

and ventilated

so that ex-

is being charged will not be trapped. A

sparking that would take place should a

across the battery

16-19 is a suggested

Water

like Masonite

from shifting despite

terminals.

box.

Tanks

Fresh water tanks should be just as carefully

One difference

is that

there should

built, tested,

be an opening

outlet. This is used to drain the tank

weather. Suitable water tank materials

and installed

in the bottom

the

when a boat is unused or stored in freezing

include Monet Alloy 400. superior in quality

and cost, stainless

steel (Type 316 is the best in salt atmosphere),

vided the interior

is treated

to remove

as fuel tanks.

of the tank-

taste and odor.

and fiberglass,

pro-

MISCELLANEOUS

DETAILS

223

Plumbing
Copper

used to be the ultimate

water,

but it has had drawbacks,

for piping,

either

salt water or hot and cold fresh

such as a tendency

to develop

costly not only as piping but in thz price of the fittings

marine
(PVC)

supply stores have good quality

pipe, some of which is suitable

polybutylene

tubing

suitable

nect with the available

Where pipes pierce
water intakes, etc. -up

pinholes.

Now it is

necessary

to hook it up. The

hose of other materials:

polyvinyl chloride

for hot water,

and one of the latest (1979),

for cold and hot water that is exceptionally

fast to con-

fittings.
the hull for any reason whatsoever-toilet

connections,

to about a foot above the normal waterline,

fittings should be directly

connected

cooling

the through-hull

to sea cocks. These should preferably

be genuine,

approved full-flow sea cocks rather than valves or other devices made of brass or similar
alloy that could
deterioration

be corroded

remained

by sea water

undetected

the boat

to sink if

until too late. Here again the American

and possibly

allow

Boat and

Yacht Council standards should be used for guidance.

Intakes for engine cooling, etc., must have scoop strainers
outside of the hull and also good quality

intake strainers

tween the sea cock and the device pumping

Water

Trap

There

should be a circulation

over the opening

the water.

Vent
of fresh air through

a boat even when it is otherwise

closed up. The vent shown in Figure 16-20 was developed for sailboats
ago and remains

popular

while excluding

rain and flying spray.

and practical

for any type of boat,

The

at sea some years

as it permits ventilation

cowl can be turned

g.hi

as desired for best

~ENTILA~;C
K ITH
\.ATEE
TCAI
I%.~\

Figure

16-20.

on the

on the inside of the hull be-

224

MISCELLANEOUS

DETAILS
MATERIAL

2500zoooIs*o-

FACTOR

60,000

LBS.l?S.I.

OF SAFETY=

STE

rL- 4

IO0

,o*o300MOTOO
630z 5007
r?400
z
cl !.a,/-3 -i

4+
AZ PKlCIrtr

REACH

B= ANGLE OF HEEL
C - HCELCP
REACH
0:

3g

nr

m.oYE PPLR BEAQING

3
5---

--

:
:
50a--

/-

TO USE

--- --

--

DWW LlNE(2)
THR
REACH s LOAD.
FROM
INTERSECTION
WITH
B.M.
LINE
PRoJEC7(F) PARALLEL
WITH
GUIDE
LINES
TO PIPE SIZE SCALES.

.-

: 2
al*-w
- a
55

Ii
301

la
PIPE

Figure

16-21.

results.

The

removable

screen should

screens reduce the effective

pliable

rubbery

can be plastic,

opening

not be used unless there

by about 25 percent.

are insects,

DAVITS

because

The cowl can be one of the

plastic kind that bends when a rope crosses it. The tube into the boat
aluminum,

or copper.

The box can be installed

either fore and aft or

athwartships.

Davits
Davits are used for handling
poses on commercial
against corrosion,

anchors

and dinghies

boats. Aluminum

has become a popular

material

This is good when, for one reason or another,

and stowed and thus needs manhandling.
pipe or tube or of ordinary

aboard

alloy pipe, anodized

yachts and for other purif possible for protection

for davits because of its light weight.

a davit must be removed from its socket

Davits can aiso be made of stainless

steel pipe, the latter preferably

hot galvanized

3
z
z
I

steel

after shap-

MISCELLANEOUS

DETAILS

225

Level shpiyhfedge 4 kuli

Figure

16-22.

ing and welding whatever

nying chart,

labeled

war were clamoring

Figure

fittings are needed on the davit. I worked up the accompa16-21,

some years ago when scores of small craft going to

for davits for all sorts of uses. If you know the load and the reach

(dimension A), the chart will give a pretty good idea of the pipe size needed. The chart
has a built-in safety factor of four using ordinary steel pipe. A davit is basically a cantilevered

beam, so if a load swung outboard

are expected, the reach should be increased

then probably be indicated.

will heel the boat much,

as noted on the chart.

or if rolling seas

A larger pipe size will

Anodized aluminum alloy davits of various capacities, ranging from 150 pounds for
anchors and up to 1500 pounds for small boats, are made as stock items and can be
had with a tackle arrangement,
in various voltages. The reach,

with a hand-operated
winch, or with an electric winch
dimension A in Figure 16-21. is usually limited to six

feet. Principal makers of the aluminum davits are Mar-Quipt.

Inc., 231 S. W. 5th
Street,
Pompano Beach,
Florida 33060, and Pipe Welders,
Inc., 413 S. W. 3rd
Avenue, Fort Lauderdale,
Florida 33315.

Painting
The boatbuilder

today has a choice of the finest exterior

finishes imaginable,

both for

protection and appearance,

from one-part enamels to the very expensive, long-lasting
two-part high gloss polyurethane coatings. There is also a wide choice of varnishes and
synthetics

to protect

and bring out the best natural

wood trim.

Underwater there is also a wide variety of antifouling paints, usually priced according to life expectancy. Here you must be guided by the length of your season and which
paint has proven effective

in the areas to be frequented.

The same makers of the fine marine exterior coatings (perhaps paint is becoming
extinct?) have material for the interior as well, and there is nothing wrong with the
high-grade latex-base paints, which make cleanup so easy with water.

226

MISCELLANEOUS

Marking

DETAILS

the Boot Top

Nothing looks worse to yachtsmen

tom paints.
waterline

Assuming

than a ragged division between the topside and bot-

that the buiider

way to mark

Figure

profile.

16-22,

Level straightedges

just about the easiest

waterline

at frequent

are set up at the ends of the boat as shown in

tightly between

until it barely touches the hull and a point is marked

By moving the cord in and out on the straightedges

on the waterline

intervals

to the boot top as scaled from the plan of the

and then a length of thin, strong cord is stretched

edges and moved inboard

may be marked

as often as desired.

if it is allowed to sag, the waterline

alternately

boot top or stripe is usually

the

there.

at opposite ends, points

Be sure to keep the cord tight, for

will not come out straight.

and aft and there is room to work, a builders

line. The

to mark the designed

during construction,

the boot top is to first plot the straight

along the hull and then lay off heights

outboard

has had the foresight

at the stem and stern for reference

If the boat is level fore

level or transit may be used to run in the

curved (sheered)

for appearance,

and offsets

above the waterline can be taken from the plans and plotted as shown in the figure. A
batten is nailed on the hull to fair the points and mark the line, which is done by scribing with the broken

end of a hacksaw

knife made for scribing

wood.

blade or similar

device or with a so-called

race

Chapter

17

SAFETY

A sound hull is only the beginning

of a safe hoat. unless it is the simplest of craft like

one made to be paddled or rowed. As soon as holes are made in the hull underbody for
through-hull
fittings or machinery and electrical installations are made, precautions
must be taken
building

to prevent

are fortunate

leaking,

sinking,

Not too many years ago this knowledge

learned

fire, or explosion.

in having information

available

Newcomers

to boat-

to keep them out of trouble.

was not so easy to come by. Many lessons were

the bard way

water through-hull
number

sinking caused by a rotted hose attached to a valveless underfitting, loss of fire control from the wrong kind or an inadequate

of fire extinguishers,

fire and/or

explosion

because

a fuel line to an engine

was installed without slack and broke from vibration, loss of life because passengers
aboard a sinking boat could not find the life preservers. These occurrences and others
were and are preventable.
The very nnturc of boats calls for deck levels of varying heights
steps and ladders.
hand

Risk of injury can be reduced

rails and grabs

that

whenever possible. Similarly

rails and lifelines

American

council

with safety.

important

fastened

in place

are the adequate

by

number

of

with through-fastenings

height and fasteningofsafety

the edges of all decks accessible

Boat and Yacht

This non-profit
cerned

around

are securely

to be accessible

by having an adequate

to those aboard.

Council

was formed in 1954 by members

Over the years dozens of members

of the boating

industry con-

have served countless

hours in

the preparation of standards for safe practices in the general areas of hull, equipment,
machinery, electrical, and engineering standards. Ample time has been given for comment

and criticism

standards

of the standards

do not represent

one-sided

before

they have been approved:

therefore

the

opinions.
227

220

SAFETY

There

STANDARDS

are numerous

available

individually

standards

For a list of these standards

P.O.

contact

Box 806, Amityville,

the complete

in each of the divisions mentioned

the Secretary,

New York 11701.

set of standards

above and all are

book called Safety Standards for Small Craft.

or as a complete

is included,

American

Membership

Boat and Yacht Council,

is open to all, in which case

as well as copies of new standards

as issued

and revisions to those existing.

Federal

Safe Boating

Poor design,

Regulations

construction,

and equipment

file, and loss of life have inevitably

gasoline
loading
Boat

fuel systems,

and Yacht

pliance

Council,

guidelines

turer or backyard
In my opinion,
mended

electrical

and safe powering,

installations

that

led to the enactment

systems

in boats

and level flotation

under contract
to determine

to the U.S.

the standards

whether

required

in explosions,

with gasoline-fueled

in case of swamping.
Coast Guard,

to ease the burden of the boatbuilder.

builder,

resulted

of laws in the U.S. governing

whether

his product

engines,

safe

The American
prepared

com-

he be a manufac-

will meet the regulations.

by law are the same as the practices

recom-

by the ABYC.

Copies of the following

booklets

Guard
District
Office
or
Washington,
D.C. 20590:

from

may be obtained
I1.S.

Coast

Guard,

from

your nearest

Office

of

U.S.

Boating

Coast
Safety,

Electrical System Compliance

Guideline
applies to all inboard or inboard/outboard gasoline-powered
boats and boats that have gasoline auxiliary engines such as
generators.
Fuel

System

Compliance

engines

(except

outboard

generators,

and to gasoline~fuel

inboard/outboard
Level Flotation
length.

Guideline
applies to all boats powered with gasoline
engines), all boats with gasoline auxiliary engines, such as
tanks that are permanently
Guide--applies

Coast Guard publication

CG-466,

to monohull

canoes,

Safety Standards for Backyard

attaching

careful

a capacity

a hull identification

all these

things

regulations

and a certification

number

will not discourage

study of the safety regulations

Many government

label

boats.
Boat Builders,

is a

as to how to work up the safe loading

for boats under 20 feet long to which the law applies.

and how to obtain

Hopefully

and

boats less than 20 feet in

kayaks, or inflatable

boon to the home builder and includes directions

how to go about

in inboard

boats.
Compliance

It does not apply to sailboats,

calculations

installed

In addition,

it tells

label to the hull,

for your boat.

a would-be

will show that their intent

backyard

builder:

is good.

seem to consist of endless pages of solid text, making

them boring to read, to say the least, but not so the guidelines put out by the Coast
Guard. These clearly illustrate with simple line drawings what is acceptable and what
is prohibited,

,,:,s,y
(3

* ,

SAFETY
Product

STANDARDS

229

Testing

A step for safety beyond mere words has also been taken. Manufacturers

can now have

their products

Council

tested for compliance

with American

Boat

and Yacht

dards and so labeled when the product meets the requirements.

the

testing

Laboratories

is the marine
(UL),

which succeeded

The UL label on hardware

the material
located

section

of the

well-known

the pioneering

Yacht

and other items of equipment

has been tested and found suitable.

at 1647 Jeffords

and

Street,

Clearwater,

Florida

The agency that does

respected

Safety

Underwriters

Bureau.

assures the purchaser

Underwriters
33516.

stan-

Laboratories,

that

Inc. is

RECOMMENDED

Ruilding

Cl~ssrc S~lnll

Co., 2 1 Elm Street,

tions for building
Bouthuildi:rg
Co.,

Camden,

by Gilbert

Camden,

for pleasure

also contains

a chapter

Brought

covering

entitled

International
together

Marine

Publishing

in one book are instruc-

boats.

C. Klingel.

Maine 04843.

craft,

is just as enthusiastic

steel. Both writers explain

Gardner,

of classic wooden

with Stwl,

construction

by John

Maine 04843.

a number

21 Elm Street,

Colvin

Crc#,

READING

International

Written

Marine

by an advocate

the steps from start to finish.

Boatbuilding

about aluminum

Publishing

of welded steel
This volume

with Aluminum.

by Thomas

alloy construction

as is Klingrl

how to do quality work as opposed to commercial

Colvin.
about

boat-type

construction.
Roat building
Marine

Designs,

with Plywoori
9152

still one of the most inexpensive

for handling

and How to Fibq1a.u

Rosecrans,

and fiberglass

Bellflower.

boatbuilding

covering

California
materials,

Bay City, Michigan

cold-molded
authors.

48iO6.

90706.

both

from

Because

the instructions

Glen -L

plywood is

in these book3

plywood are useful.

Thr GOU.,~PON
Brothcars on Boat Construction,
Street.

Boats.

This volume

Gougeon

Brothers,

is a complete

wooden boats. with emphasis given to the WEST

Inc..

treatment

706 Martin
of building

system developed by the

232

RECOMMENDED

Laprake
Marine

Boatbuilding, by Walter J.

Publishing

Walter J,
building

RE.4 DING
Simmons.

Co., 21 Elm Street,

Simmons,

Lincolnville,

Camden,

Maine

wooden boats with clinker

04843.

International

Marine

Co.,

One of the best books on boatbuilding

Sq@ty

Standards

CC-466,

availahle

booklet

foreword:

Federal

recreational

non-professional

for

Backyard

This

Boat

Coast

pamphlet

safety

builder.

hazards

Joinrry,

21

Elm

published

by

in the art of

of cold-molding

Builders,

Guard

U.S.

Camden,

District

is described

Coast

Office.

Guard

Maine

requirements

and is intended

have

been

found

with

in depth.

Publication

Best described

is a simplified

Che primary objective

which

Fitting Out, by John

Street,

. . . (CC-466)

boat construction

individual

avoid certain

(Reprint

from start to finish. Well illustrated

The technique

from nearest

04843.

A book specializing

Cold-Molding,

Publishing

photocgraphs and line drawings.

Maine

04849.)

published by International

planking.

Modr~rrr Woode~r Yacht Construction:

Guzzwell,

Originally

by the

explanation

of

for the use of the

of these requirements

to be the cause

is to

of boating

accidents.
.Sa/;sty Standards
806. Amityvillc.
stallation

of equipment.

on electrical

Small

Station

American

industry

Road,

and Yacht

Council,

for boat construction

Kings

Inc.,

Box

and the in-

especially

the parts

and Allied

Publica-

protcbrtion.

Tools, by Ian Bradley.

sharp is vc*ry important

Boat

standards

This is of great value to the boatbuilder,

wiring and circuit

Sharpllin,q
tions,

/i)r Small Crafi,

New York 11701.

Langley,

Argus Books,

Herts,

England.
of boatbuilding.

to the enjoyment

Ltd.,

Keeping woodworking tools

This little British book tells

how IO do it.
Shrj) and .-!ircrali Fairin,q and Dvzr~lopmcwt, by S.S. Rabl, Cornell Maritime Press,
Cc~ntrc*viIIc~.Maryland 21Gli. A good old book with clearly illusrrated details of some
Iofring rrchniqut~s.
Wood: A Manualfor Its Use as a Shipbuilding Material. Department
of Ships,

1957-1962.

(Reprint:

superb source of information,

building,

moisture

content,

Wood Ilandbook
Office,

woods of interest

including
structural

(Ilandhook

ment of Agriculture.
Printing

Teaparty

Available

No.

i2),

Forest

of the Navy, Bureau

Massachusetts,

1983.)

and storage of wood for boatwooden boat repairs,

Products

Laboratory,

of Documents,

Contains

much

etc.

U.S.

Depart-

U.S. Government

basic information

about

to the boatbuilder.

loaded with news, pictures,

WoodenBoat,

specifications

design of parts,

D. C. 20402.

Washington,

Kingston,

from Superintendent

National Fisherman, 21 Elm Street,

WoodenBoat

Books,

Maine

and plans of commercial

bi-monthly

Publications,

Camden,

Inc.,

magazine

for

04843.

newspaper

fishing boats.

wooden

Box 78, Brooklin,

A monthly

Maine

boat

lovers

04616.

and

builders.

(I

EQUIVALENTS

Linear
1 in. = 25.4 mm
1 in.

0.083

1 ft.

= 12 in.

6 ft.

= 1 fathom

= 2.54

1 cm

= 30.48

1 ';tat.ute mile

= 5280

1 statute

= 1.6093

mile

1 mm

cm

ft.

= 0.03937
= 0.3937

1 m = 39.37

cm
ft.

in.

= 3.2809

1 fathom

= 1.8288

1 nautical

mile

1 km = 0.6214

km

in.
in.
ft.

= 6080

ft.

statute

mile

Area
1 sq. cm

sq. cm

= 0.1550

1 sq. in.

= 6.4516

1 sq. ft.

= 144 sq. in.

1 sq. cm = 0.00108

1 sq. ft.

= 0.0929

sq. m

1 sq. m = 10.764

= 16.39

cu. cm

sq. ft.
sq. ft.
sq. ft.

Volume
1 cu. in.

1 cu. cm = 0.061 cu. in.

1 gal. =231 cu. in.
1 1. = 0.03531 cu. ft.

1 cu. ft. = 1728 cu. in.

1 1. = 61.017 cu. in.
1 cu. ft. = 7.481 gal.
1 pt. = 0.4732 I.
1 qt. = 0.9464 1.

= 0.0283

1 gal.

= 3.785

Note:

= 7.481

cu. ft.

The gal. above

cu. m = 28.32 1.
1 1. = 2.113
1 I. = 1.057

pts.
qts.

1.

= U.S. gal.,

and 1 pt.

= & gal.;

1 qt.

= % gal.

233

234

EQUIVALENTS

Weight
1 oz. = 28.35

1 g-r = 0.03537

g-r

1 oz. = 0.02835
1 lb.

= 16 oz.

1 lb.

= 453.6

kg

1 kg = 35.274

= 0.4536

gr.

kg

oz.
oz.

1 oz. = 0.0625

lb.

1 kg = 2.2046

lb.

Pressure
1 lb. per sq. in.
1 kg per sq. cm

= 0.0703

kg per sq. cm

= 14.223

lb. peh- sq. in.

Miscellaneous
1 Imp. gal.

= 1.2 U.S. gal.

1 ft. high column of water = 0.434 lb. per sq. in.

1000 warts = 1 kilowatt = 1.34 hnrsepower
1 horsepower
1 long ton

= 746 watts

= 2240 lb.

1 cu. ft. fresh water

1 cu. ft. sea water
1 knot

1: 1 nautical

= 35 cu. ft. of sea water

= 62.5

lb.

= 64 lb.
mile per hour

= 1.85318

km per hr.

DECIMALS
FOR

EACH

WITH

Fraction
__---.

,&.dhs

OF

OF

64TH

MILLIMETER

Dcclmal

Mllhms*ars
,approx.,

___

AN

,!
ji

I/ --/I

Fraction
~

0.397
0.794
1.191
1.588

?4

5
6
7
a

.07al25 !
.09375
.109375
,125

1.984
2.381
2.778
3.175

ii

10

3.572
3.969
4.366
4.763

_._.

11
12

.I40625
.15625
.17la75 I
.la75

13
14
15
16

.203125
.21875
.234375
.250
!

5.159
5.556
5.953
6.350

.._.

17
18
19
'20

.265625
.28125
.296875
.3125

6.747
7.144
7.541
7.938

____

21
22
23
24

.328125
.34375
.359375
,375

a.334

....

25
26
27
28

.390625
.40625
.421875
.4375

9.922
10.319
10.716
11.113

29
30
31
32

.453125
.46875
.484375
.5oo
j
I

11.509
11.906
12.303
12.700

'42

J&i

....
%i
. ..
'4
.
M
_...
gh
..
%I
....
'%
....
%
._..
'xi
....
'/is
._._
15h
__._
M

INCH

--

.015625
.03125
m6875
.0625

%i

AN

EQUIVALENTS

1
2
3
4

INCH

I/

33
34
35
36

;9/6
w

%i
....
"X6

as
....
%

'%
i&6

a7A
___.
T-6
'I
/

._._
agA
;5&
_.._
%

/i
'I

1""

---____

1 Milhmeters
Capprox.)
-~

._._

ii

a.731
9.128
9.525

I
Decimal

"A

%eths

'

.515625
53125
546875
.5625

:
j
I
'

13.097
13.494
13.891
14.288

zt
39
40

-578125
-59375
.609375
.625

I
1
:
I
i

14.684
15.081
15.478
15.875

41
42
43
44

MO625
A5625
.671875
.6875

16.272
16.669
17.066
17.463

45
46
47
48

.703125
.71875
.734375 ,
.750
'

17.859
18.256
18.653
19.050

49
50
51
52

.765625
.78125
.796875
A125

19.447
19.a44
20.241
20.638

53
54
55
56

.a28125
.a4375
.a59375

.a75

21.034
21.431
21.828
22.225

57
58
59
60

.a90625
SO625
.921875
.9375

22.622
23.019
23.416
23.813

61
62
63
64

.953125
.96875 1
.984375 ,
l.OOO
;

24.209
24.606
25.003
25.400

INDEX

Abcking & Rasmussen,

24
Abbreviations,
lines plans, 69
ABYC standards:
for electrical
installa.
tions, 221; for exhaust hoses, 220; for
fuel tanks, 212-213; for sea cocks,
223; for propeller
shafts, 213-217
Additives,
epoxy rrsin, 36, 64. 165
Adhesives,
64-65: sources for, 65; waterproof, 64. SW also Epoxy resins, Glue
Aerolite glue, 64, 65
Aircraft Spruce and Specialty Co.. 65
Airex foam core, 41
Allied Resin Corp., 65
Aluminum
construction:
davits.
224.225: fuel tanks, 212-213: hulls, 9.
43; spars, 205-206.
American
Boat and Yacht Council
(ABYC). 227-228. SW n&o ABYC
standards
American
Dureau of Shipping
(ABS).
26
American
Klegecell Corp., 41
Anchorfast
nails, 48. 52, 58-59
Anti-fouling
paints, 225
Arc-bottomed
hulls. 2; frames for. 96;
setting up, 108
Arcon epoxies, 64
Ash. white, 25
Augers, 16
Backbone

assembly,

105

Backbone
structures.
101-105
Ballast keel, 195
Bahek Corp., 41
Batrs. Fred. 148
Battens: for fairing cutves, 73, 76-77,
78-79. 97. 110. 116; as pick-up sticks,
78, 79-80: in planking,
144.146: for
planking
scale, 136-137: for spiling.
133-134
Batten seam planking,
144-146
Battery storage boxes. 222
Bearings,
propeller
shaft assembly.
213-217
Berths, 184
Bevel board, 98
Bevels. 94. 96-98: by computer,
99. of
floor timbers,
124; of lapstrake
planks, 142-143, of transom assembly,
99-100
Bilge stringers,
125
nont ou~rffrs nuycr.5 ChidfJ, 9. 10
Body plan. 77-78
Bolts: carriage,
51; drift. 50-51. 105.
198, 209; hanger,
55; lag. 55: screw.
50
Boot top (waterline),
226
Breast hook, 154
Bruynreel
plywood.
29
Bulkheads,
159. 183-186
Bulwark rail. 174-175
Butt blocks, 92. 131. 149

mmx
Buttocks,
67, 80, 83
Butts, plywood,
184
Cabin trunk, 171-173
Cabosil,
36, 165
Camber,
deck beam, 153. 156-157
Cant frames,
120
Canvas deck covering,
163-165
Canvas duck, 162
Carve1 planking,
35, 130-131, 138-139
Cast fittings,
192-195: rudder stock,
210-211
Cast iron keel, 195-96
Caulking,
93, 138-140, 166-169
Cedar: Ala ka. 25: Port Orford.
23:
western rt 1, 23; white. 23
Ceiling,
188
C-Flex plankir :. 37-38
Chainplates.
19; 198
Champion
Buildil T Products,
28. 29.
30
Chrm-Tech
epoxy, h 1, 65
Chrm-Irrh.
Inc., 65
Chine. 7
ClilmpS. 124, 153-156. 2t.l
Clench-nailing,
60.61
Clinker planking,
14 1
Coamings:
cockpit.
173: hatch.
177-178
Cockpit roaming.
173
Cockpit,
self-bailing.
179
Cockpit sole. 179
Cold-molded
hulls. 32-33. 89. 150-151,
i.52

Computers:
for fairing lines, 87; [or
lofting. 99
Condon.
M.L., Company,
32
Contourkore
bals;l core. 41
Corrosion,
galvanic.
43, 48-50. 63
Cotton caulking,
138-140
Cotton wicking. 143
Countcrborcs.
16.17, 53
Countrrsinks.
16-17. 54
Counter
stern. ! YO-I21
Couplings,
propeller
shaft. 218-219
Cowl ventilator,
223-224
Cradles,
41
Cross spalls. 92. 109
Cypress. 23
Davits. 224-225
Deadwood.
104
Dean Company,
Thr. 33
Deck beams, 156-157
Deck coverings:
canvas,
163-165:
fiberglass
cloth, 165

Deckhouse,
17 1 - 173
Deck line, 76, 83
Decks: caulked,
166-169: plywood,
163;
strip-built,
162-163; teak, 166-169;
tongue-and-groove,
161-162
Deck shelf, 153
Defender
Industries,
Inc., 36
Developable-surface
hull, 5, 149
Diagonal
planking,
152
Diagonals,
67. 69. 78-80
Double planking.
143-144
Dowels, 96. 209
Drawers,
186
Drills, 16-17
Duck Trap Woodworking,
61
Duraply.
28-29. 183
Dynel. 35
Edson Corp.. The. 212
Electrical
systems, 221
Electrolysis,
48-49
Elmers glues, 64, 65. 186
Engine: bed, 129; connections,
controls.
219-220; stringers,
vibration,
218
Epoxy resins, 36, 64. 147-148.
Evrrdur.
47

220:
128:
165

Fairing: of diagonals.
79-80: of lines.
76-77; computer-aided.
87. 99. .%Y
nlso Battens
Fastening
materials:
brass. 47: bronzr.
47; copper. 48; galvanized
iron,
46-47: stainless steel, 48
Fastenings:
in double planking,
143.
144: drilling for, 52-54: interior,
186:
plank, 137-138
Frrrocement
hulls, 44
Fiberglass
cloth, 37, 165
Fiberglass
hulls. 9. 36-37, 39-41. 89
Fiberglass
insulation.
I89
Fiberglass
sheathing,
35-36
Fillers. 36. 168
Fin keels, 104
Fir, Douglas, 22
Fir plywood, 28
Flat-bottomed
hulls. 2-3. 71. 103. 108
Floor timbers,
123-124
Florida Marine Tanks.
Inc.. 213
Foam core, 39
Formica,
28, 183
Frames.
88: bending.
119-123: coldfitted. 120-123: steaming,
119:
transvrrse.
117. v-bottomed
96-97
Framing.
3-5

237

238

INDEX

Fuel hose lines, 220

Fuel tanks, 212-213
Fuller, W.L..
Inc., 54
Galvanic corrosion,
43. 48-50. 63
Galvanic series, 49
Carboard,
134- I35
Gel coat, 37
Glue: batten seam, 144; Elmers
64.
65, 186: resorcinol,
64. 147-148
Gluing: plywood planking.
149: spars,
201-202. See also Laminatton
Cougeon
Brothers,
Inc., 32, 65, 150

Coufyon

Rrothm

Rtrnl

Comtruc-

151
Graphite
fibers. 44
Grids: for inverted
hull construction,
109: for offsets, 73-74: for transom
plan, 81
Gripe, 105
Guzzwell. John, 151
Ilon.

Thf~,

Hackmatack,
25
Half beams.
157-158
Half-breadth
plan, 93-95
Half-model,
69
Hanging
knees, 158-159
Ilarbor Sales Company,
29. 30, 65
Harra. John, Wood & Supply ComIIilIlyq
32
Hatches:
cabin sole, 188.189: [let-k,
176-179: flush, 179: sliding,
175.176
Headers,
I57
Headliners,
189
Herreshoff
& Kerwin. Inc.. 87
Horn timber,
105
Hull design, 2-5
Hull lines (terminology),
7. 66-69
Hull painting,
141
Hull repairs,
39
IHydraulic engine controls,
220
Hydraulic
steering,
212
I-lynautic,
Inc., 212, 220
Icebox,
189-191
Independent
Nail
Insulation.
189

I12

Laminated
beams, 157
Laminated
planking,
150-151. 152
Lamination:
of fiberglass hull. 37;
of stem assembly,
92; of wood, 31-32
Lapstrake
planking,
108, 141-143
Larch, 25
Lauan.
24
Lead keels. 195, 196-197
Letcher.
John, 87
Lexan,
I78
Lines, hull (terminology),
66-69
Lodging
knees, 158
Lofting:
computer-aided,
99: of body
plan. 77-79; of half-breadth
plan,
76-77: of long lines of profile, 76-77:
of transoms.
81-87, preparations
for,
72-74; tools for, 72-73
Logan Lumber
Company,
32
Lumber:
drying, 21: sawing, 17-18.
21; seasoning,
18-Z 1; shrinkage,
2I:
sources, 32-33
Mack-Shaw
Sailmakers,
Inc., 206
Mahogany:
African,
24; Honduras,
Mexican,
24; Philippine,
24
Marconi rig. 204

Mnrirw Iksign

46, 58

24;

Mtrnunl. 37

Mar-Quipt,
Inc., 225
Masonite,
186
Mast partners,
I58
Mast step, 204-205

Modrm
Inc.,

Joinerwork:
deck, 170- 181: interior.
182-191
Joints: mortise-.,nd-tenon,
107;
32, 105-106
scarphed.
Juniper.
23
Keel blocks,

Keel Makers,
196- 197
Keels: cast iron, 195-196; fin, 104;
lead, 195. 196-197; powerboat,
103-104: rabbeted,
IO3
Kenyon Marine,
205
Krvlar,
36, 44
Kit boats. 9
Klegecel foam core, 41
Knees, 105; hanging,
158-159; lodging,
158: quarter,
154-156
Kobelt Manufacturing
Co., Ltd., 220
Kristal Kraft. Inc., 65

Woo&n

Ydrt

Carrstructiotl,

151
Mold construction
88-92
Mold loft, 72
Molds: for cast fittings, 193-194; for
fiberglass
hulls, 36-37; for keels,
195-197; for strip-planked
hulls, 148
Monel fastenings,
48. 50, 58, 62
Monel tanks, 212
Monkey rail, 175

INDEX
Morse

controls,

220

Quarter

Motor Boating B Sailing,

Nails: copper,
55-56. 60; galvanized,
47, 57: threaded,
57-59

National

Fisherman,

Nomex honeycomb,
Non-skid sole, 189
Oak: red, 22; white,
Offsets, 69-72. 78

knees.

154-156

10

9. 32
44

22

Painting:
of deck joinerwork.
171: of
hull, 141
Paints: anti-fouling.
225; Pxterior. 225;
interior,
I83
Panish Transdyne.
220
Patterns,
casting: for fittings,
192-195,
for keels, 195-197
Pick-up sticks, 78
Pinr: longleaf. 22-23; Oregon,
22;
white, 23; yellow, 22-23
Pipe Wcldcrs.
Inc.. 225
Planking:
batten scam, 144. 146; carvel.
130-140; double.
143-144; laminated,
150-152: lapstrakc*, 111-1-13: plywood,
149-150; strip, 146-149: transom,
100-101
Planking dimensions.
132: thickness drducrion.
#Y-Y0
Planking scale. 136. I37
Planksherr.
I66
Plugs. wood. 53-5-l
Plumbing,
223
Plywood: bending,
30-31; cutting.
:iO:
grading,
28-29: laminating,
31-32;
panel sizes, 29
Plywood decks, I63
Plywood interior structures,
182-183
Plywood planking,
149-150
Polybutylenr
tubing,
223
Polypropylrnr
cloth, 35, 36
Polyurethane
coatii:g,
17 I
Polyvinyl chlnricle (PVC) pipes, 223
Powerboat
construction:
clamp,
158:
rngine beds. 129: keels, 103-104: rudders. 206-207: shelf, 158; transom.
85-87: twin-screw,
218
Preservatives,
wood, 34. 141
Profile plans. 77. 92
Propeller
shafts, 213-219
Pulley drives, calculating,
21Y
Push-pull
cables, 220
PVC pipes, 223

Rabbet,
77, 78. 92. 103
Refrigerator.
SIT Icebox
Resorcinol
glue, 64. 147-148
Reverse curves. 122. 151
Rhodes,
Philip, 149. 201
Ribbands.
88. 109. 1 IO. 112-l I6
Ribs, 117
Riveting,
62-63
Rivets: copper.
55-56, 143: pop.
62-63
Rot prevention,
33-34
Round-bottomed
hulls, 2-3; bilge
stringers.
125: frames,
88. 118; lines,
71; planking,
38
Rudder fittings.
208
Rudders:
outboard.
207-208; powerboat, 206-207: sheathed.
211

Rules for Building und Clossiq

forced Plastic Ccss&. 26

RGn-

Safety: davit design for, 225: features,

227; product
testing for. 229: regulations, 228

Sn fbt,y Starndri rds /or lkck yn rd Bon t

Buildm.
228
Safety Stnndarrls for Snr~ll Crcr/t. 228
Sail track, 204
Sandwich
(fiberglass
hull) construction.
36. 38.39
Scantlings
(trrminolcqy).
34
Scarphs.
105.106. 147. 184. 199
Schaefer Spars, 206
Srrews. 16-17, 51-55: galvanized,
47:
lag, 55; machine,
61: stainless sreel.
54-55
Scribing of waterline,
226
Scuppers.
174, 176. 179
Sea cocks, 223
Sealers, 28, 168
Sea rails, 184
Scats. cockpit.
179-l HO
Sections:
bocly plan, 67. 77-78: slrm.
94
Seemann
Plastics, Inc.. 37
Self-bailing
cockpits,
179
Shaft logs, 103-104. 215
Sheathing:
copper.
104; fibc=rglass.
35-36
Sheer clamp, 126-128
Sheer guards,
180- 182
Sheerline.
76-77
Shelves. 153-156
Sole: cabin. 188-189: cockpit,
179

239

240

INDEX

Spars, aluminum,
205-206
Spars, wooden,
198-204; hollow rectangular,
200-201, hollow round,
201-202
Spiling. 133-13
Spiling frames, 135
Spinnaker
poles, 20 l-202
Splines. 103
Spruce: northern
white, 24; Sitka, 24,
198. 199
Stanley tools, 15-16
Star class sloop, 2
Stations,
78, 83
Stealer planks, 137
Steam box, 119-120
Steel hull construction,
9. 42-43
Steering controls,
211-212
Stem assembly,
92-95
Sternpost,
104
Stopwaters,
96, 105
Stringers,
124-128
Strip-planked
hulls, setting up, 108
Strip planking,
146-149
Stronghold
nails, 52, 58-59
Stuffing box, 211, 215, 217
Synthetic
fabrics, 35-36
Table of offsets. 73
Tamarack.
25
Tangile.
24
Tangs, 204
Tank rapacity,
calculating.
213
Tanks, fresh water. 222
Tanks, fuel, 212-213
Teak, 25, 168-169
Teleflex,
Inc.. 220
Templates,
67; for bulkheads,
185; for
stem assembly,
92-95; for spinnaker
pole, 202
Tenons,
107
Thiokol sealers. 168. I69
Tie rods. 158. 206
Tillers, 2 I 1
Toe rails, 166, 174
Tools: caulking,
139: hand, 15-17:
lofting, 72-73; power,
17-18; sourres.
18

Torin, 41
Transom.
connections
to, 154-156
Transom,
construction
of. 99-101
Transom,
lofting of: curved, 82-83:
flat, 81-82: powerboat,
85-87; raked,
81
Tremont
Nail Co.. 61
Tributyl
tin oxide (TBTO).
34
Twin keelsons.
103
Underwriters
LaGoratories
(UL). 229
Unipoxy
glue. 65
U.S. Coast Guard regulations:
for
passenger-carrying
boats. 14; safety,
228
U.S. Coast Guard standards:
for electrical installations.
221: tanks, 212
Varnishing,
170-171. 182. 201
V-bottomed
hulls. 2-3: clamps, 128:
floors, 123; frames,
88. 96. 117-118;
lines, 72; planking,
38: seam batten
construction.
144; setting up, 108
Veneers, 28
Ventilation,
187- 188. 223-224
Watrrlines.
67. 76. 80. 225-226
Water trap box, 223
WEST System (Wood Epoxy Saturation
Technique),
150
Wheel, steering,
2 12
Wicking,
105. 138
Wiley. Ralph,
148
Wire rigging, 204
Wood: A Manual FOT Its list ds A

Shiphui!di?lg

Matcmal,

25

Wood: comparative
strengths,
26; design stresses, 26-27; species for boatbuilding.
22-25
Woodcraft
Supply Corp., 65

WoodrnRoat,
Wood

finishes,

32
interior.

Wood Ilnndh~ol~.
Wood

screws,

Zinc plating.

16.17.
46-47

182.813

26
51-55