Virginia 1819 build log – Part 14

The final hull planks have been added. I consider this a major milestone.

Final hull planking complete
Final hull planking complete

And the finishing planks were added to the inside and outside of the bulwarks. On the outside of the bulwarks, it wasn’t possible for a single plank to run end to end, as the sheer was too extreme. I split the planks into two sections in order to manage this run. There is a gap between the bulwark outer planks and the hull planks that will be covered up by the rubbing strakes.

Adding the final bulwark planks
Adding the final bulwark planks

Planks to finish the transom were added. After some reflection, I removed the stern post so that I could add the final stern planks directly, rather than working around the stern post.

Planks on the transom
Planks on the transom

Next were the rubbing strakes. (That’s what the instructions call them, but is this the right term? Maybe wales is a better term?) They were soaked in hot water, then formed around the edge of a bowl.

Bending wet wood around a bowl
Bending wet wood around a bowl

I’m very pleased with how the rubbing strakes turned out. After forming them to the shape of the hull, I drilled holes where I wanted each pin. Starting at the bow, I placed the strake against the hull, and drilled through the first hole into the hull, then inserted a pin. Then I positioned the piece where I wanted it, drilled the next hole through, and added the next pin. I repeated this to the stern. Then I removed everything, applied glue, and put everything back, pushing the pins all the way in.

Rubbing strakes added
Rubbing strakes added

The stringers (again, is this the right term?) were also bent using the same bowl, then glued into place using lots of clips to hold them in place.

Adding the stringers
Adding the stringers

I’m now near a point where I am considering applying some polyurethane to the hull.

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