Spreader
54 inches long, 18 inches wide, and about 1½ inch thick, but as this is a temporary affair almost any old piece of proper dimensions will answer (B, [Fig. 194]), and another piece of good 1½-inch plank (C, [Fig. 194]) 36 inches long by 15 inches wide, for a stern-piece. Besides the above there must be enough 1-inch lumber to make seats and to cover the bottom. At a point on one end, 6½ inches from the edge of the A plank, mark the point c ([Fig. 194]), then measure 37 inches back along the edge of the plank and mark the point b ([Fig. 194]). Rule a pencil line (b, c) between these two points and starting at c saw off the triangle b, c, d. Make the second side-board an exact duplicate of the one just described and prepare the spreader by sawing off the triangle with 9-inch bases at each end of B ([Fig. 194]). This will leave you a board (h, k, o, n) that will be 36 inches long on its lower edge and 54 inches long on its top edge.
Fig. 194.—A, the side. B, the spreader. C, the stern-piece.
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Next saw off the corners of the stern-piece C ([Fig. 194]) along the lines f, g, the g points being each 6½ inches from the corners; and a board (ff, gg) 18 inches wide and 30 inches top measurement, with 23 inches at the bottom. Now fit the edge of the stern-piece along the line e, d ([Fig. 194]), or at a slant to please your fancy. In [Fig. 195], upper C, the slant makes the base of the triangle about 4½ inches, which is sufficient. Be careful that both side-boards are fitted exactly alike, and to do this nail the port side with nails driven only partly in, as shown at D ([Fig. 195]); then nail the starboard side and, if they are both seen to be even and of the right slant, drive the nails home; if not correct, the nails may be pulled out by using a small block under the hammer (D, [Fig. 195]), without bending the nails or injuring the wood. Leave the stern-ends of the side-boards protruding, as in the upper C, until you have the spreader and stem in place.
Fig. 195.—Details of the boat.
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We are now ready for the spreader (h, k, o, n) (B, [Fig. 194]) amidship, or, more accurately speaking, 6 feet 9 inches from the bow (B, [Fig. 195]). Nail this as shown by D ([Fig. 195]), so that the nails may be removed at pleasure. Bring the bow ends of the A boards together and secure them by a strip nailed temporarily across, as shown in the diagram E ([Fig. 195]).