Understanding the term "scantling"-edited by admin

[Nacioffi]

I am having trouble completely understanding the term "scantling". E.G. "In the way of the hawse holes, the scantling is increased so that they can be fated together". I don't know what that means. Can anyone help.

[trippwj]

Good Question!  In Steel's 1805 Shipbuilders Vade Mecum, he defines SCANTLING as The dimensions given for the timbers,plank, &c. Likewise, all quartering under five inches square, which is termed scantling; all above that size is called CARLING.

 

Griffith, in his 1853 Shipbuilders Manual and Nautical Reference, provides several tables relating the moulded and sided scantling of various frame and structural members to the length, depth and breadth of a vessel.

 

Oops - another set of terms!

 

In general, MOULDED is the dimension from inside of the hull to outside, and SIDED runs perpendicular (more or less) to that dimension or along the curve of the hull.

 

Based on the narrative you provide, it sounds as though the dimensions of the frame members around the hawse holes is increased (probably SIDED dimension) so that they can be fated (or fitted may be the more modern term) together.  If you look at some of the exceptional scratch builds here, there are some good pictures of how that works.

 

Hope that helps a little!

[trippwj]

Sometimes a picture can explain it better.  This is from Longridge (1977) The Anatomy of Nelson's Ships.  Note how the Hawse Timbers widen out from a straight side.

 

 

Hope this helps!

 

 

[WackoWolf]

Thanks guys, I am sure that has help more than just one of us here on the forum.

[Nacioffi]

Thanks......I am embarrassed to say that the quote should have read "Fayed together" rather than "fated" together.

Nick

[trippwj]

Durned autocorrect

 

Same basic meeting.  In the older nautical speak - to fit or be fitted closely or tightly

 

Hope this helped!

[druxey]

Scantling means the dimension or, in this case, thickness.