Building a Glued Lapstrake Caledonia Yawl

Page 12: Side benches, cont.

Aft breasthook and mizzen mast partner

We added an aft breasthook, although one isn't shown on the plans for the undecked version. Most double-enders have them - they help to tie the gunwales together, and look nice, besides. And they make comfortable handles to grab the boat.

We also have roughed-out the mizzen step. The dummy mast is used to verify the mast rake. On this boat design both masts are raked fives degrees aft.

The foremast partner assembly

The foremast partner is also completed. We used teak for the mast blocking and wedge, since there will be a lot of wear on these parts, and paint wouldn't last long. Teak can be left bare, or it can be oiled if you like. The partner opening is about 1/4" oversize to allow for leather on the mast.

The side benches need to be bent to fit properly on the bottoms of the thwarts. The thwarts are all at different angles due to the sweep of the planks, so the benches need to follow the plank lines.

Bending the side benches

This mahogany didn't want to bend easily.

First we just put it in the steambox for an hour, and it didn't budge. We figured the wood was too dry, so we soaked it on the beach overnight, and then steamed it for an hour. Better, but still no good.

FInally we put the benches in individually for two hours each, and that was enough. We weighed some down propped up on horses, and clamped others to the ladder frame. After cooling for a few hours, we unclamped one to see how much it sprung back, and it looks just right. We clamped it back in place to finish drying out, and we'll be able to temporarily fasten them tomorrow.