Applying the Canvas
The canvas is put on with marine glue, the black kind being the best for this particular purpose. Before gluing the canvas, lay it smoothly on the hull and trim so that it will fold nicely at the stems, as shown in [Fig. 13]. Melt the glue in a can over a moderately hot fire and spread it on one side of the canvas with a stiff brush. Of course, the glue will be too thick to spread evenly, but be sure to apply it as evenly as possible, and touch every bit of the canvas with a fairly heavy coating of glue. Lay the glued canvas in place, and iron with a moderately hot flatiron. This melts the glue, and the canvas will adhere smoothly to the planking. Finish by tacking the edge of the canvas along the edge of the gunwales, and fold the canvas as smoothly as possible at the stem, and tack in place, running the line of tacks exactly down the center line of the stem.