Building the houseboat

Love the picture documentary Daniel
Thanks I'm learning a lot
B

 

....emmm, bit concernetd too Daniel regarding the limber holes, or lack thereof. I have not seen any in th epics posted so far, and there seems to be no other access holes yet....time will tell eh.

 

Limbers holes Landlubber, not access holes
Limber holes is the holes you cut at the end of the frames against the keel.
It allow the bilge water to flow freely from one end to the other, thus facilitated the pumping from one point only.

Daniel

 

....emmm, yes Daniel, I am aware what limber holes are, and do not see any......my further comment of no other access holes refers to some compartments that are not joined by limber holes, and need individual access for drainage......I am not as green as the wood in the boat!

 

...Hey that reminds me...I saw a film of a boat built in Canada that was cut and built in the same week, aparently there is no need to season wood there as it does not dry out...amazing eh.

 

It does dry out, but very slow.

It was, and is, common practice in northern Europe to cut and erect masts in winter within days.

 

Wood does require drying and hence shrinkage for many uses. It may be that green wood works well for deadwood and steamed ribs but many parts of the boat require wood that has been properly seasoned. I doubt a spar would have anywhere near full strength when green even if it were possible to erect a mast and use it directly after cutting. A great deal of movement still has to occur and fastenings are likely to be strained causing splits and checks. Chances are very good that where fasteners have been put, a split would begin rather than starting elsewhere. Wood shrinks (splits) first where it gets help from a drilled hole.

 

I am sorry Landlubber, I didn't know.
The limber holes are hidden by the garboard plank, so yes you can't see them.
All the wood I bought is quite dry, 12% average.
No I don't have compartment, the bilge is all open from the stem to the transom. Solution I prefer since it is easier for good ventilation, as the bilge is not really accessible when the boat is planked.
This is the reason why planking inside is treated with creosote oil, in my opinion the best treatment for very long term.
Daniel

 

....no worries mate, I am sure you are a very competant little boat builder...she is looking fine.....proud of you.

 

The planking is started and going pretty fine. The black goop you see is the Dewitt's neoprene.

Daniel

 

what kind of lumber is used for the planking?

 

Go Danny boy go

 

Looks like eastern white pine.

 

Alan is right!
Yes it is.
Daniel

 

looks like D grade white pine which is kinda pricey as far as pine goes. I gotta ask why not eastern cedar which is bound to cost about the same in your neck of the woods. Stuff is lighter and weaker but has better rot resistance, IE you could use thicker pieces to achieve a similar strength/weight ratio. I suppose the "take up" would be more

just curious as to your logic in this choice

also are the back of these planks treated or are they to be left raw

cheers and looking good
B