Der Alte Rentner

I pre-bent my waterways today. I soaked them in the laundry tub for 2 hours, then secured to pattern with push pins onto corkboard. They bent enough I could easily put them in place. Still have to bevel backside against bulwarks.

I did something similar. I traced the curves onto a piece of scrap plywood.  Then where you used pins, I used dowels protruding to a smidge below the height of the waterway.  I soaked the waterways about an hour, set them between the dowels, and used a steam iron to set the shape. I saw that technique somewhere at the website but can't remember where.  

Like me, you followed Bob Hunt's direction on the waterways.  I think they're too flat and the bevel isn't steep enough.  If you look at pictured of the waterways on the Constitution, and/or consult the plans, you'll see that they should be a smidge taller and less deep.  Not being a stickler for absolute fidelity to the original, I have no problem with keeping them as they are -  just pointing it out in case you feel differently.  

I noticed you got the sanding tools I mentioned in my log.  They're great, aren't they?

Lastly, hard to tell in the photograph above, but did you not bevel the waterway at the stern?  I think the angle where it will mate with the section going across the stern should be about 45 degrees.  No? 

yes i beveled the waterway at the stern, I have not installed it yet. I am waiting for some wood I ordered to arrive so I can complete the waterway and planksheer. I love that sanding tool!!