OK, here’s my first installment on my LJ’s blog. Since there is much involved in the construction of a boat, and I have about 400 photos, I’ll try to show to my best ability, the most major stages of construction. We built 2 Davis boats over the past 6 months, one 14’ and one 16’. The boat shown here is the 14’. Prior to physically building the boat came the lofting full size on the floor. Alright, let’s get started, so sit back, relax, and enjoy the show.
Here we’ve built a strong back, set up the molds, placed the ribands and are lining out the frames spacing.
Once we liked the frames spacing we worked out, we began to frame the boat. Frames came right from the steam box and were bent onto the boat, clamped and let sit to cool.
At this stage all frames are on the boat, we’ve lined out the planks on the frames and are spiling the first plank.
Most of the planks are on at this stage, she’s looking like a boat now. Has anyone got clamp?
Here we’re set up to spile the last plank. This plank above all has to be hewn carefully, it’s a friction fit when placed on the boat, so all measuring and bevels have to be dead on.
And here she is all planked up, you can see the shutter plank on the right side of the boat. It is still standing proud before hand planing. Notice only one clamp, the rest of the plank is held on by friction.
All the planks are on the boat, and have been faired. Now comes caulking the plank seams. We’re using cotton for this. The wet is from linseed oil, used to lubricate the seam for ease of caulking.
Here’s a student laying caulk into a plank seam.
Look at that! Right side up. All the seams have been caulked and the hull has been faired. Now we get to see what she really looks like.
The boat has been set on its lines, plumbed and leveled. We’re now ready to work on the interior.
Alright, we’ve made some headway here today, that was some fast boat building! I hope you enjoyed this first installment of my most recent project. In the next installment we’ll work on the interior of the boat. Now, go make some saw dust!
-- Brian S. --- "If you’ve worked on the building of a boat, it belongs to you the rest of your life." -Bob Prothero
12 comments so far
Mark Shymanski
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1555 posts in 610 days
posted 516 days ago
Man this is interesting. I’ll need a glossary to look up some of the terms though.Thanks for posting these great pictures and descriptions!
-- ...it's rennovation time!!!
Scotach
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71 posts in 517 days
posted 516 days ago
It’s a whole different animal this boat building! I’ve acquired a whole new vocabulary since diving into this trade. LOL!!
-- Brian S. --- "If you’ve worked on the building of a boat, it belongs to you the rest of your life." -Bob Prothero
thetimberkid
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1944 posts in 601 days
posted 515 days ago
Very intresting!
Keep up the great work
Thanks for the post
Callum
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itsme_timd
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676 posts in 729 days
posted 515 days ago
Very cool to see the process, thanks for sharing this with us.
-- Tim D. - Woodstock, GA
Chris
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1469 posts in 889 days
posted 512 days ago
It’s like reading a good book… Can’t wait for the next chapter!
-- Chris
Bob #2
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3053 posts in 919 days
posted 512 days ago
Very interesting topic.
Question:
Some boats are built with the planking on first then the ribbing.
Your model goes ribbing then planks.
What is the differnce in the two techniques other than the obvious?
Bob
-- A mind, like a home, is furnished by its owner
Blake
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2763 posts in 772 days
posted 512 days ago
Its a beautiful process. I’ve built two boats my self. I’ll have to dig up some photos and post them. Thanks for sharing this.
-- Check out my new website! http://www.blakeweberwoodworking.com
Obi
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2191 posts in 1135 days
posted 512 days ago
I’ve wanted to build a boat for a long time… Looks possible even for a rookie.
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Woodhacker
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1145 posts in 621 days
posted 511 days ago
Brian, even though we have a few lakes in “landlocked” Kansas, I can’t see myself ever trying something like this, but this is simply fascinating! Thanks for sharing this process…amazing.
-- Martin, Kansas
Texasgaloot
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467 posts in 598 days
posted 508 days ago
Hey Brian, have they taught you what a “whiskey plank” is yet?
I’m really enjoying this, too. I’ve been reading about boat building for years; you’re living a dream of mine!!
-- There's no tool like an old tool...
Scotach
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71 posts in 517 days
posted 508 days ago
Ohhhh, the beloved whiskey plank! We have indeed had quite a few of those over the past 9 months, I for one am a big fan of the tradition. Let’s see, 4 in our shop, 3 in the other shops. Hopefully we’ll have a few more before the years out!
-- Brian S. --- "If you’ve worked on the building of a boat, it belongs to you the rest of your life." -Bob Prothero
Scotach
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71 posts in 517 days
posted 508 days ago
Bob #2,
Depends on how the boat is constructed. Carvel would typically have ribs on first, then frames, then planks.
Lapstrake planks go on first, then frames. Planks give the shape to the boat in lapstrake, whereas frames and ribs provide the shape that the planks conform to. Hope that helps.
-- Brian S. --- "If you’ve worked on the building of a boat, it belongs to you the rest of your life." -Bob Prothero