The next process in the building of the boat is characterised by its heat, and, in fact, is somewhat similar to working in a vapour bath, for, as each of the ribs and laths requires to be boiled tender and flexible before it is possible to fix them, the nature of the work can better be imagined than described. [Fig. 7], which is engraved from a photograph, will give a general idea of the position of the laths and ribs, as well as of the interior of the boat.
The first three long laths on either side can be screwed into their places without steaming; before fixing them it is, however, advisable to pencil their places on the bows. The divisions will be as follows, but it must be remembered that notches are not needed to be cut in the stern post, as the end of each lath is bevelled off before being screwed up. Beginning at the top of the stern post, C, [Fig. 2], we have (11⁄4 in.,) 23⁄4 in., (11⁄4 in.,) 11⁄2 in., (11⁄4 in.,) 13⁄8 in., (11⁄4 in.,) 13⁄8 in., (11⁄4 in.,) 23⁄4 in. lower face of keelson, and on the other side the same.
Fig. 7.—Showing the interior and framework of the boat. The footboards are removed in order to show keelson.
The fourth lath of each side need not be steamed, as it is a short one of 6 ft. 3 in., reaching only from the notches A of section I J across the midship section to the notch A of section G H.
The steaming process of which we now have need can be conducted in a laundry or washhouse boiler, and consists of boiling the wood until it is quite soft and flexible, when it can be bent to any desired shape, which it will always afterwards retain.
The laths (No. 5) will require boiling or steaming, and when perfectly flexible are to be tied firmly in their places, and screwed up when dry. Nos. 6 and 7 are to be treated the same, but No. 7 should not go quite to the bow end of the boat, being cut off and secured about half way between the section G H and the bows. The stern end also of this lath is to be screwed up to the stern post near the point marked d on [Fig. 2].
The laths must be fixed one on each side alternately, or otherwise there is a danger of warping the boat. When the laths are all firmly screwed up in their notches the gunwales and ribs must be bent on. The gunwales should be well steamed, especially the bow ends, and then lashed on to the outside of the two top laths, but not screwed on yet.
The ribs, of which there are twelve, are of the same strength and material as the laths, and are placed three in each partition of the boat.
Beginning at the bow end, the first three are cut in half and screwed at equal distances on each side of the keelson. The three between the section G H and the amidships, as well as the three between the amidships and section I J, are in single lengths reaching from the inside of the top lath on the one side, inside the laths and outside the keelson, or rather sunk 3⁄4 in. into it, and then on top the other side, keeping inside the laths to the top lath.