2. Center Keel Assembly
The first step in constructing the hull is
to assemble the two laser-cut center keel
pieces. First, use a sharp pencil and
mark the bulkhead locations below the
slots and reference line (used to locate
Bulkheads A through O). Mark both
sides of the center keel piece. Be espe-
cially critical in locating the reference
line, for it is a key to proper alignment.
Take measurements from several points
on the plans to double check its position.
Cover a flat building board or table
with a sheet of wax paper or plastic
wrap, then place Parts 1 and 2 over it.
Apply white or woodworker’s glue to
the joint. Align the reference line with a
steel or aluminum straightedge. Place a
weight on each piece to hold it down
while the glue dries for 24 hours
(Figure 1-1).
3. Installing the Keel,
Stem, and Sternpost
Add the keel, stem, and sternpost. Taper
the stem as shown on the plans before
installing. Use dowels to align and hold
the pieces (Figure 1-2).
Option:
Some modelers prefer to cut the
rabbet before adding the keel. The
choice is yours.
4. Cutting the Rabbet
If the keel is in place, the rabbet is the
glue line between it and the center keel.
The bearding line is the intersection of
the center keel and the inside surface of
hull planks. Measure its position from
the plans, then mark the bearding line
on both sides of the sternpost, keel, and
stem. With a hobby knife, cut a 1/16”
deep rabbet on both sides of the center
keel and at the bow. This is so the 1/16”
thick hull planking will fit flush. Cut on
or slightly above the glue joint and take
your time. For the long slope at the
stern, switch to a straight chisel. Cut
with the grain to remove the wood
between the bearding line and rabbet.
The rabbet changes to follow the hull’s
shape as it moves forward to the mid-
ships area (Figure 1-3). Lastly, check-fit
the rabbet with a short length of 1/16”
thick plank. Its outer edge should lie
flush with the sides of the keel, stem,
and sternpost.
9
Fig. 1-5 Gluing Bulkheads to Center Keel
Pin or tape
Glue
Square
Temporary
wood strip
Align reference lines
Fig. 1-6 Temporary Battens for Hull Alignment
Tack temporary
strip both sides
Check keel with
straight edge
Check spacings
Check alignment visually
in all directions
Fig. 1-7 Correcting Bulkheads at Bearding Line
Bearding line
Flush
Smooth flow into rabbet
Add shim
Trim if necessary
