Most difficult part of project (according to designer) completed this morning. Hylan says the garboards are crux of Beach Pea. While I agree they were a bit challenging, they weren’t too bad. Basic steps are:
- Use compass spiling method to get rough (but close) dimensions
- Transfer compass markings to full size template
- Put template back on boat and get exact mold knuckles
- Fair out template, check again on hull
- Make 14ft planks from 8ft panels
- Cut gains
- Glue and screw to bottom/molds
- Clean up excess epoxy before it sets (worst task to do)
The following pictures show basic process.
Compass used with narrow batten to get 3d shape to 2d board
Spiling Battan => Luan Pattern => Sapele Planks
2 pair Garboard Planks, Port/Starboard
Garboard setting up for glue
2 matching full length Garboard planks – 14+ ft
Gain or “Rebate” if your English
Port Side
garboard on – gain in foreground
Garboards glued to bottom – screws removed after epoxy cures
Just need to plane bottom flush, cut new bevels on garboard and repeat for 4 additional “runs” around the boat. The next run (plank 4) will be easier as far less twisting and rolling. Plank 3 and above are almost straight so should be piece of cake from here on out.