Preview: How to Build a Beautiful Skiff, Part 10 – Planking the Sides

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This week, Brian Larkin joins the Brooklin Skiff Club as planking the sides begins on the Beautiful Skiff.

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9 Responses So Far to “How to Build a Beautiful Skiff, Part 10 – Planking the Sides

  • Avatar

    Lou Kimball says:

    I’ve finished building the molds and am ready to plank the boat. My question is how to taper the planks. What dimension should be left at each end of each plank and are they tapered one edge only or both? (all tapered the same?) How about the chine log? is it tapered as well?
    Thanks!
    Great series.

    • Avatar

      Maynard Bray says:

      Tapers for the topside planks are given on the “Tools & Materials” sheet; same for the garboards. All extend a little beyond the ends of the hull, to be trimmed flush with the inner stem and transom after they’re fastened.

      Regarding the “chine log” you mention: If you’re speaking of the lowermost side planks, which are called garboards on the plans and list, yes they are tapered—the amount shows on the material list. Hope this helps clear things up.

      PS: No need to cut both edges of the planks; just take the wedge-shaped piece off from one edge, trying to choose the edge that keeps the grain on the remaining plank the most nearly centered.

      • Avatar

        Lou Kimball says:

        Thanks Maynard. I did see it on the materials list after posting the question. In the video Eric isn’t very definite as to the dimensions so I reacted to that. Thanks also for the clarification on how to taper- big help. BTW- Nice drawings! I’m a semi retired old school architect who always draws by hand, you know, with a pencil. I appreciate others who do the same. Best, Lou

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    michael mcallister says:

    I have watched these videos repeatedly for good building tips, but with thought about involving the grand kids.
    This is a wonderful project and the kids did really well. Good teachers and good teaching.
    Look forward to more munchkin boat building.

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    Suhitha Edirisinghe says:

    Anyone else feel like Eric almost took a saw to the face?

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      Emma Mathis says:

      Hi David,

      We haven’t put Neptune on a scale but we think she’s about 125 pounds.

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    Bill Montgomery says:

    When it comes to working with kids (the most important job of all) you’re a natural.

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    John Breiby says:

    I eagerly look forward to each episode of your wonderful series. My son, 9-year-old grandson, and I will soon start construction of one of Pete Cullers flat-bottomed, yawl-rigged skiffs–a 17-footer he designed for Anne Bray. Perhaps the most enjoyable part of watching your series is to see the kids, quietly absorbing every little bit of the process. I hope we have as good a time working together as you seem to be having working with the kids on your project. The exterior chines are a great idea– reminds me of something Bolger might have prescribed. Hurry up so we can see the next one! Great job! John Breiby, Wasilla, Alaska.

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