11
7. Installing the Bow Filler Blocks,
Knightheads, and Timberheads
Forward of Bulkhead A, install the filler
blocks on both sides. Carve from bass-
wood blocks included in the kit. The plan
provides some sections through the block.
To aid you with carving the blocks correct-
ly, make templates from these sections. Fit
the templates as you carve the blocks —
you could easily flatten the block and not
have the fair waterline curves in way of the
block. These blocks provide a gluing sur-
face for the forward end of the hull planks.
It is suggested that you pre-carve the blocks
close to the waterlines before placing on
the model, then finish the correct shape
while on the model, using battens to make
sure the blocks flow along hull lines. Fit
the knightheads and timberheads in notch-
es cut in the filler blocks. The plan shows
the shape of theses parts (
Figure 1-10
).
8. Installing the Mast Mortise
Since Bulkhead F interferes with the mast
going into the hull very far, the heel of
the mast must be tapered and fit into a
socket (mortise box) on the center keel.
Figure 1-11
and Detail 2-C on Plan Sheet
2 illustrates the socket. Do the socket
now, because you cannot get to it after
the deck is planked. Cut the tenon in the
bottom of the mast so it fits the socket.
9. Gunport and Sweep Port Framing
The bulkheads are located to form the
sides of all the gunports but allow space
for lining the sides of the openings with
0.020"-thick walnut strips. The walnut
strips are not a required construction fea-
ture, but are added only to retain a walnut
covering for those who desire a natural
finish. Stage 2 discusses this further.
Fit a basswood header and sill between
the bulkheads. Add these pieces to project
slightly beyond the bulkhead extensions,
then sand flush inboard and outboard
(
Figure 1-12
).
The sweep ports are shaped like an oar
blade with a hole in the center for the han-
dle. Since these openings will be cut
through the bulwark, you need a filler piece
in between. Add a filler piece just wide
enough to cover the opening (
Figure 1-13
).
Like the gunport headers and sills, sand
flush with the bulkhead extensions. The
actual opening for the sweep ports can wait
until the exterior hull and ceiling plank are
installed; then, cut the openings through
the entire side. However, it would be a
good idea to drill the center hole for the
ports through the filler piece at this time.
10. Installing Deck Beams,
Sub-Decks, and Waterway
Deck beams:
Before you can install the
sub-decks and plank the deck you’ll need
some deck beams — one to support the ends
FIG. 1-10 FRAMING THE BOW
FILLER FOR
HAWSE HOLE
NOTCH FOR
TIMBER HEAD
NOTCH FOR
KNIGHT HEAD
BULKHEAD “A”
SAME BOTH
SIDES
RABBET
FILLER
BLOCK
CARVE TO WATERLINES SHOWN
ON PLAN SHEET 2
MAKE TEMPLATE FOR EACH WATERLINE
TO AID CARVING
FIG. 1-11 MAST MORTISE
BULKHEAD “F”
GLUE SECURELY
CENTER
KEEL
1/8" OR ANY GREATER
THICKNESS
FIG. 1-12 FRAMING GUNPORTS
HEADER
SILL
SAND FLUSH
INBOARD AND
OUTBOARD
FIG. 1-13 SWEEP PORT FILLER BLOCK
SAND FLUSH
INBOARD AND OUTBOARD
SHAPE OF SWEEP PORT
CUT NOW OR AFTER
PLANKING
