Widths of strips must be narrower toward the bow, but can be progressively wider toward the stern. The cold molded methods we use (often referred to as “double-diagonal” planking) consist of layers of solid wood veneers or thin plywood which has been cut into strips. Their typically “boxy” appearance will offend the discriminating eye of true classic boat lovers and may suffer some loss in value as a result. Yet even when finished natural, they turn out as poor imitations that just don’t look authentic in the flesh. You may find some runabout designs that can be built from ordinary sheet plywood that may, on the surface, appear to be of “classic” type. And such methods are well suited to the do-it-yourself builder since the skill level required is not high, and specialized equipment or woodworking techniques (such as steam bending) are not required. So while the speed of application offered by sheet plywood may be lost, the methods we use (including the alternatives discussed later) are worth the extra time since they make possible the beautiful curves and contours builders look for in these boats. But first, an overview of our basic methods.Īlthough these boats are made over sawn frames crossed by various longitudinal members similar to conventional plywood hulls, sheet plywood cannot be used for planking since the hulls have reverse or compound curvatures to which sheet materials will not comply. However, other planking options and variations are possible as I’ll discuss later. Our mahogany runabout plans are detailed for cold molded planking methods finished off (at least on the topsides) with natural wood mahogany veneers. Part of the purpose of the following article is to present still other optional ways these boats can be built. Otherwise, you can make your own veneers by resawing from thicker solid stock, or find a sawyer capable of such work.
WOOD RUNABOUT BUILDER PROFESSIONAL
Other sources our builders report using for veneers include professional boatbuilders building with such materials, millworks capable of veneering, and furniture manufacturers who either may sell such veneers directly or provide a cutting service.
Also see the Glen-L List of Lumber Suppliers. Builders should also check for material sources in such magazines as WOODENBOAT, CLASSIC BOATING, BOATBUILDER, and ANTIQUE & CLASSIC BOAT TRADER. Although our classic mahogany runabout plans come with a resource list complied by ourselves and with feedback from our boatbuilder/customers, suppliers do come and go, and items such as planking veneers, may not be available “off-the-shelf” everywhere, let alone at the local Home Depot.
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