Securing the planks

Securing the planks, there are time honoured rules for securing the planks to the hull of. Figure 20 deals with and shows these rules as they applied, together with the methods used for fixing the planks to the frames (bulkheads) using tree nails as a method of securing the planks.

 

Stealers & Drop Planks:

Half Stealer:

A half stealer is used generally in the stern section and probably fairly close to the keel. If a droop develops in the first couple of planks above the keel as in figure 19 it is time for a stealer. As with all planking don’t be too eager to glue the planks into position because in the case of a stealer the last plank fitted is the one that has to be cut to let the stealer into it. So of course the plank that has to be cut has only been pinned, hasn’t it? Make a decision as to the length of the stealer that is going to be needed. Allow a small addition to the length for snug fit. Shape the end of the plank at an angle of approximately 45 degrees as shown in figure 21. The forward end of the half stealer will need to be tapered but no more than half its own width is allowed for this process. See A-A of the half stealer diagram. Any more and the plank will be like a splinter and not shipwright. To the stern end of the plank again the taper should be no less half the width of the plank, however B in the diagram shows a more realistic taper that would be required somewhere in the vicinity of ¾ of the planks width. Of course the upper half of the diagram is the section that is actually the half stealer. To carry out this operation shape the half stealer as described above after determining the width of the stern section of the stealer. Pin this stealer over the previous pinned plank and mark out the outline of the shaped stealer. Remove both stealer and under plank, cut under plank carefully. Trial fit both and sand to obtain an accurate fit, if all fits well glue into place.

Full Stealer:

A full stealer is made up in the same manner as a half stealer except its end section consists of two 45 degree cuts. Again this end of the stealer BB should be no less than half the width of the plank. However the stern end of this stealer is to be the full width or close to it. Again the two under planks affected should have been pinned into place to determine the length of the stealer required, cut and shape the stealer as in the diagram. Place and pin it over the top of the under planks. Mark around the outline and remove. Cut the under planks to suit and trial fit. Sand if necessary and glue into position if all is well.

Drop Planks:

Drop planks are used to reduce the number of tapered planks going to the bow section. In effect a drop plank reduces two plank widths into one plank width. These are used where crowding of the planks is starting to occur and if not used the tapered ends of the planks would be mere splinters. Similar rules apply as in stealers. Again the forward end of the drop plank is not to be tapered more than half the width of the plank. In the two planks coming forward at section A-A they are not to be tapered any more than half the width of the plank. As with the other stealers and as a drop plank is technically a stealer, place the shaped drop plank over the ends of the planks affected to ensure a flowing fit to sections A-A. Pin into place and mark the forward end where it fits into the stern rabbet. Allow a little extra at the point for a snug fit. Sand as required and glue into position.

Note: All stealer and drop planks must be secured at the joints with the under planks over a bulkhead, half and half as in Figure 17 inset. This will ensure a solid surface to the completed hull and when sanding operations are carried out. Failure to do so can result in a springy joint that is extremely difficult to fix after the planking is finished.