Conjunction of Clamps-stem etc

Comment

Comment by bob mitchell on August 26, 2010 at 8:10am

Clyde did this diagram as we discuss the joining of all the various members and planking at the stem, and in reference to a picture from Gaffney's Le Bateau Sans Souci demise.
"And the simple answer is Yes. The head of the carriage bolt is just below that pointed piece of deck. The deck beam is not notched, but the frame is notched to receive the sheer batten, or outside clamp, which is that “piece right above and beyond the clamps.” (I see a drawing coming up. It will be attached.) I’m sure it would have been glued, hopefully screwed, maybe nailed into the stem. See what you can find. The rabbets for the clamps should be pocket rabbets, just high enough for the clamps."
" I hope you saw the “cheek block” on the upper end of the stem. The picture from the Maine boat trip (2009 maine boat trip 008 and 017) shows good detail. There is no cheek block between the chine and the stem. But there is one (two really, one on each side of the stem) on each side (upper and lower sides) of the chine. " The original photo in question is next.



I’m sure you are going to add new pieces to the clamps and joining them to the old, sound, clamps. Since the inside clamp is three layers butt joints can be used and the “other two” layers will serve as butt blocks. Spread the butts a foot apart. On the outside clamp, with only one layer, butt blocks would cause a short flat spot where a natural curve is needed to support the curve of the planking. I suggest scarphing those joints. I know that will not be the easiest way. So possibly a butt centered between two frames and a butt block almost as long as the distance between the frames (keep the block from the frames), and of the same material as the clamp, would work. Pull the two ends of the clamp to the block either with a couple of screws of a single c-clamp and sight the curve for fairness before adding more fasteners.