Planking

Planks are going back on, which is very exciting.  I've learned that restoring an old boat takes a long time. My father said, "boy, you could have built a whole new boat by now".  He's right, restoration is definitely "fidly".   

One thing I've learned is that there is a log of work required to prep the planks.  In a new build, once its cut and shaped, you slap it on and drill and screw.  In this case, each existing hole has to be examined, and if its in bad shape, it needs to be repaired.  this can be done either with plugs, or with epoxy.   both equal more time.

So far, two planks are back on and screwed in;  screwing takes no time at all,  The brace and bit make short work of if.  The only problem i've run into is that one of the screws that is going into a replacement oak rib sheared off.   all the screws in that rib are resisting a lot.  I tried some wax on the screw,but still not able to turn them home.  need to think more about that one.

The bright side is that the new chine log is doing a great job holding the chine planks in place, and looks great.  Makes a huge difference in the boats structure replacing the rotted old one.  Only two more planks on this side of the boat, then I restart on the other side fixing ribs and iron sick screw holes, and stripping varnish.

Brace and Bit ready for action driving new screws into the chine log.