Stitch and Tape is the
simplest method of construction.
The hull panels are stitched together using lengths of wire to pull
the panels into the hull shape. Frames are usually required to
hold the hull in the correct position, and these are also dry fixed into
their places.
Once the shape is correct, the seams between the stitches are filled
with epoxy paste and left to set. Once set, the stitches are
removed, and the gaps filled in with epoxy paste.
The seams are then sanded smooth, and covered in glass tape in
epoxy. It is the glass tape in epoxy that gives the hull its
strength.
The hull can then be turned over. The inside seams are given a
radius of epoxy paste, smoothed off, and covered in glass tape and
epoxy.
The tapes will then need to be faired with more epoxy paste and sanded smooth. This
can be a lengthy process if you are wanting a very high quality of
finish
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The Clinker Ply method, also known as Glued
Lapstrake gives a more traditional look to the boat.
The traditional method of building CP boats is daunting to the first
timer, so we have developed a process for making CP Kits.
The boats are built over moulds which we supply. Normally,
there is a keel, stem, and transom which are made from solid timber and
faired to take the planks.
The planks are cut precisely to width, with a small allowance to move
the planks over the moulds to obtain a good fit if the moulds are
slightly out. As each plank is added, the laps are bevelled to
take the next plank, avoiding the need for large amounts of epoxy
filling.
Once the hull is finished, less cleaning up of excess epoxy is
required.
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Strip Plank construction gives a smooth hull,
avoiding the hard lines of S&T and CP. It also gives an
immensely strong monocoque structure which can take some very rough
handling.
Strip plank boats are built by gluing strips of wood - usually
Western Red Cedar edge to edge of moulds which we can supply.
When the shape of the hull is complete, the hull is sanded completely
smooth, any gaps filled, and then coated with glass in epoxy. Done
well enough, the hull can be finished bright, and look stunning.
Once the outer hull is covered, the boat is turned and the inside
glassed. The hull can then be fitted out.
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