Planking the Canoe Hull

When fitting each plank, clamps can be spaced at wide intervals, but when doing final bonding, clamps must be closely spaced to get good adaptation of their mating edges.
 

Assuming an upright hull position:  As the topsides curve becomes more vertical toward the sheer, the lower edge for each new plank needs to be tapered (to partial hull length) where it meets the previous plank.  The hull is somewhat rough now.  Adjacent planks seldom meet in a perfectly matching curve due to variations within the wood itself.  It will need to be sanded and filled when the planking is complete.

Planked up to the sheer line.  When you are bonding with epoxy, or any adhesive, use plenty of clamps.  The final length 155.25 inches, width 29 inches, and midships depth 10.5 inches.

Next, the hull will be turned over, and I will begin the process of sanding and filling until a smooth surface is achieved.  Then, the interior needs to be finished but not to such a polished degree.  Last will be completion of the small stem decks and sheer.

You can see the pattern of planks.  Initially, full-length 1 1/2" wide planks were used (for the first projection).  At the initial chine, a narrower 1" wide plank was used due to increased frame curvature.  Partial-length 1 1/2" wide straight planks were used to fill-in remaining frame curvature as the topsides curved upward.  The final two planks were 2" wide because, as the frames approached the sheer level, the frame edges were almost straight.

Realize that this is a mathematically created (mainly algebra) developable surface boat design.  No computer or drafting board were used to create a table of offsets.  The only change is that, after all highly accurate offsets were plotted, the various plotted points on each piece (keel, stems, frames) were connected by smooth curves rather than short straight lines.  Then narrow solid wood planking was used instead of plywood.

  

Three coats of varnish on the inside and two coats of white paint on the exterior.  I ordered white by mistake; I was thinking light blue but didn't recheck my online entry.  Oh well, the small stem decks and interior will be wood, and I'll add an accent stripe at the sheer.