help novice builder rescue his project

[TomMcKinney]

This is my first boat project. I'm building a lumber yard skiff- simple flat bottom and heavy. Problem I have is that chine had a knot and it cracked after 1/2 way in and all glued up--also seems to have cracked the outer plywood veneer (5/8ths underlayment). Chine is doug fir planed down to 1 and 1/4-- other side went in fine and helped panel take a nice shape but cracked side is, well lets just say unfair.

If I add an exterior chine, will it help draw the panel back into a fair shape in the way the other chine did? Boat is a work boat hull, so an exterior chine will be appropriate. Any advice on wood charecteritics would help.

Next boat--I steam the chines, especially on one of these really dry So. Cal Winter days.

Thanks all
Tom

[wolfietuk]

Tom,
I know you do not want to hear this but remove the broken wood. If you were building a house and a stud broke wouldnt you remove it before finishing the house. It will be a pain to cut out and scrape the plywood with a sharp chisel to remove the glue, but it is the only way I know of. Take pride in your work no matter what kind of project it is. If the plywood is broken, replace it. When you look for a replacement chine try to find one with no knots, and maybe one that has some curve to it. good luck.

Rick

[NormMessinger]

While replacing the broken piece seems like a lousy solution at this point I suspect you will be happier in the long run if you do so. It is difficult to advise without seeing the problem but there ya go.

You might be able to clamp something (angle iron maybe) to the outside to pull it back fair, cut out the broken section and scarf in a new piece.

Best wishes to you.

--Norm

[ishmael]

How far along is this boat? It sounds like sides, stem and transom. Is that it?

A heavy exterior chine would probably pull it back fair. Without seeing it it's a little hard to know, but I think I like Norm's idea. Use something to draw the side reasonably fair then cut out the offending piece and scarf in new wood. Probably either one of these ideas rather than tear it all apart. Just think of it as good practice.

Best of luck,

Jack

[Hughman]

If you used epoxy, a good way to remove it is to use a heat gun to soften it.

It's not that good carpenters don't make mistakes, they just know how to hide them better! :D