First paddler project (PS Pevensey) - planking problems

[cooked_unit]

G'day,

After numerous delays (getting married and  having kids will do that) I've finally managed to start on my model of PS Pevensey. I followed some previous advice and have used 10mm cedar in the frames, with 3mm cedar on the frames where the hull tapers in towards the ends. I m however having no end of problems geting planks to fit together where they taper to the stem post. I have been tapering the top of the planks only, using 2mm cedar planking (hope to reinforce this with fibre glassing inside), soaking the planking for a day or so before working it onto the hull. The first part of the plank from where it meets the stem post back to the first frame member is looking really good, however the plank appears to want to run flat from the second to the third member, getting worse as I put more planks on. There is also a tendency to sit out from the frame, looking more like a clinker than a carvel planked hull. Is there a rule of thumb with respect to the angle or length of the taper, or a good way of trying to get the planking to sit down better? Any advice most gratefully appreciated.

Cheers

Chris

[derekwarner_decoy]

Hi PD's.....& welcome Chris......are you using Float a Boat plans for you Pevensey build ?

Would help if you photograph & post a few images of the planking issue

Derek
 

[PeeWee]

Hi Chris,
Planking is one of those skills that people seem to have a sudden click when things fall into place.  but a nightmare till then.  at least i did 

Here is a lint to the model shipwrights database planking section you can vuiew some on the web and download all in pdf format.  i found some of these invaluble.  Like Derek  says if you can post a couple of shots as each boat is different.

http://www.modelshipwrightsdatabase.com/Page/03fp.htm

[cooked_unit]

G'day,

Thanks for that link to the model shipwright's database - I think it confirms my suspicions that the plank is being bent longitudinally more than it should be, and hence is buckling, causing the "clinker" effect and the straight planks between ribs is because of this problem. It seems to be getting worse as I progress further up the hull. I have taken photos but can't find my camera lead to get them on the computer - will post them as soon as I find them.

Cheers

Chris

[R.G.Y.]

Chris, you say you are working up from the keel, and tapering the top of the planks only. I think this is your trouble. I always taper the bottom of the plank only and then not until the 3rd plank. I also start at deck level with a straight plank, than taper the top of the next finally meeting at the turn of the bilge.  R.G.Y

[cooked_unit]

G'day,

Finally found the camera lead and how to bring the resolution down so that I can downloadsome photos. In the meantime I have decided to make a plug and do the hull in fibreglass, as per the last photo. Hasn't taken too long so far to get the lower half of the bow built up and sanded back on the belt sander, then I will add the straight section beyond the bow where the hull is constant by sheeting balsa on ribs, thence apply the upper section of the composite hull by separate balsa sheeting on ribs. I am still keen to come back to the original hull and complete the planking, probably by stripping off these planks and starting again. Could anyone offer any advice as to where I have gone wrong?

Cheers

Chris

[Spankbucket]

By my standards I don't think your planking is at all bad. I'm sure you'd be able to sand the ridges smooth on your belt sander?

If you were to continue I suggest that you 'balance' the stress on the keel by doing the other keel side bottom up and from the bulwarks down alternating by fixing the next plank to each 'quadrant'. At some point between to upper and lower planks you would need to cut/plane planks with long tapered ends so as to get the right fit. Not sure if I'm making sense here?).

I have only built hulls in balsa and the challenges are the same but easier to deal with! I always end up patching and filling!!

On my first boat done in 1980 (Affondatore-See Non-paddlers section) I just, through inexperience and like your blank hull approach, laid flat longitudinal sheets of balsa down the ribs (and later covered them with metal foil to simulate an iron hull).

Cheers........Bernie

[Barry]

Some photos that may be of use.

[cooked_unit]

Thanks Bernie and Barry for the advice/ pictures. I am a little worried about sanding too much off the planks as I only made them a little thicker than 2mm, thinking it would make it easier for a first build. Unfortunately thicker planks would stick out beyond the keel (without putting an extra piece under the keel), it may also lead to the planking sticking too far out into the stem post. I'll have to see how much I can take off without going through, definitely after fibreglasing the hull.

Here's a picture of the fibreglass plug coming along, got the bow section starting to look right, just sanded too much off one side at the bottom of the stem post. so am filling it back up with plaster of paris to have another go. Got to make up the ribs and sheet the straight section midships on the port side, then a fair bit more time on the belt sander required yet before starting to add the top half of the hull. I'm setting it up so that I can insert a timber keel in the mould and fibreglass onto it.

Cheers

Chris

[bill stafford]

keep up the good work -here is my poor advice , try planking w balsa stips , say 3mm, then f/glass the inside+outer later .i have made 3 hull this way , in a  average of 3 weeks , shortly i intend to do paddler rodney, currently finnishing PS Gemma in 1/24  ,all in HIPS.
i find the float a boat plans great , very detailed for finnishing off model +there HIPS paddle wheel kits also great.
i also am gearing up to plank a hull in cedar , a aussie fishing boat , w more flowing lines than pev.
if you need more detail about balsa planking , just ask
regards bill s

[bill stafford]

gday chris , hope all is well w pev. build
i just got some motors to test , looks ok , buhler USA ones w 360 rpm at 12 V , due to small motor size , i will test on dummy hull , but so far , so good ,1 per paddle wheel , i recon will be good , will use 1:1 tooth belts to transmite drive too paddle shaft . might wourk to drive your pev ??
regards bill s

[bill stafford]

gday chris , ive just looked at your profile , and noted you are in newcastle nsw .
 there is a VERY active MBC in your town , operates at the frog pond , who i could put you in touch w sennior members , who would , i hope , gladly help you , these guys can build hulls in weeks !!
only trouble is most of them would struggle too remember me , its being a while , but they would help
regards bill

[cooked_unit]

Hi Bill,

I would be most appreciative if you could PM me or post the details here for the local model boat club - one of my mates was chasing down some members through a contact he had, but has come up blank. I'd also appeciate hearing how these Buhler motors go. The hull plug is almost complete, pictures soon.

Cheers

Chris

[bill stafford]

gday chris ,
old timer , good bloke , bill elbourne , clive beasley , dave andrews , +he has a son , craig andrews , try googleing up fern gully , hes wife runs that -you should be able too track them via the phone book -they did have a club site on the net too , try it +ask at a local; hobby shop .
buhler motors , i think they will be ok , 1 per paddle wheel  , due too the large gearing , but i would have being happier w 540 type of motor , but these are approx. 380 diam. , but the can is twice the length , i need more time to dip in the water and run for 1 hr , but i have a kid w a knee reconstruction  , so im fixing house problems , hope this helps
 bill s

[bill stafford]

further info -
 seems all internet addresses are no good , lost members ??
try the Newcastle maritime  museum at port scratchley , or the phone directory , as there wont be that many D Andrews or C.Andrews , but the latter may have moved to chase the job.
use my name as a intro , but its being a while , i was a postal member
club lake was blackbutt richley reserve , freyberg st. , sat. avo 1-4 pm
good luck , let me know how you go
bill s