I am having a problem with my first layer of planking as it transitions from the keel to the stern post...it is gaping away, or out, from the balsa wood filler I have at the stern post.

I need some suggestions as to what to do about it...or what to change in my technique in order to get a good and tight fit.

I am planking from the keel up and am comfortable with that direction...at least for the first layer.

I soak the planks until they are pliable and then trim the bow end of the plank to fit the curvature. After fitting that end of the plank I pin it to the bulkheads. After drying, I mark each bulkhead location and then rough trim the stern end of the plank making sure that it is approximately 1/4" longer than it needs to be.

I then sand the plank, lower side only, to the widths required at each bulkhead. I then soak the stern end of the plank. After soaking, I then "dry fit" it and re-pin it according to the bulkhead layout and trim the stern end to fit.

After trimming and additional drying time, the stern end of the plank still appears to fit...with the plank still pinned to the bulkheads as well as at the bow and stern. I then remove 3/4 of the pins from the bow back to start gluing process and reapply the pins. I then glue the remaining stern-ward bulkheads and reapply the pins.

The problem is, is that the plank no longer has the flush fit to the stern post that it once did. It gaps away from the stern post (2 planks so far) as much as 2-3 mm. It won't bend easily or gracefully to where the stern post meets the balsa wood filler.

The plank ends are tapered three different ways. They are taper cut across it's width, it's thickness is tapered, underneath, back towards amidships, and the lower edges are tapered with a bevel so that the planks fit tightly where they meet.

What is happening? What am I doing wrong? Do I need install each plank in 2 pieces in order to get the fit I need or desire? Do I put "fillers" in this gap and them trim to fit the contours ( I hope not)?

Your thoughts about any of your previous similar (?) experiences are needed and will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks.

Mike

 

Custom Search

Searching for something? See Search Tips, Main Search Page, Amazon Quick Search Do a "Quickie" - Google that is!  Or would you rather - "Amazon" New! - Search Bing

Hi Mike,

It would help some if we had a picture of what is happening, and where you are at on the hull. But, you have explained the problem quite well. It could maybe be that you are at a point where you need to let the plank make a natural lay against the hull, and then add stealers. Another words, you maybe at a point where a new planking belt is beginning. Sorry if this doesn't help much.

Regards,
Gerald

 

Custom Search

Searching for something? See Search Tips, Main Search Page, Amazon Quick Search Do a "Quickie" - Google that is!  Or would you rather - "Amazon" New! - Search Bing