Another Lightning project

[tnert]

I've recently acquired an old Lightning (hull no. around 8500)and am anxious to start work--hopefully you can help me. This is my first boat and I am rather ignorant, although I am a trim carpenter by trade. The previous owner removed the bottom planks and laminated some replacement frames (most were still good). He also built and installed the centerboard trunk. He told me my next step is to install the "cheeks" (maybe they're called "bedlogs"). He had cut the cheeks to shape and length and told me I could either cut the frames 3/4 shorter and slide the cheek behind them or I could notch the cheeks around the frames. Which method is better? Should the cheek be "bedded" and screwed to the trunk? What exactly is "bedding"? After the cheeks are installed, are the frames "toe-nailed" to them or are they simply held in place by the planking? The trunk passes through the keel--how do I close the gap between the keel and the trunk and fasten it?

[ 09-19-2002, 08:00 PM: Message edited by: tnert ]

[WFK]

http://www.lightningclass.org/ I'd try getting ahold of the good folks here and see if you can track down a set of plans. You'll not only use them now, but definatley down the road as well.
Good luck, Bill

[tnert]

Bill,
Been there. The site doesn't seem to be updated-- as if there is no traffic. Maybe I just can't figure it out. Not what I'm used to on these forums anyway. Great site here though.

[imported_Steven Bauer]

Tnert, go to David Goodchild's website. www.dngoodchild.com (http://www.dngoodchild.com)
He runs a small publishing house that reprints nautical books and all related stuff. He will sell you "Build a Lightning Class Sailboat" for $7.95. Go to sailboats, then scroll down until you see "Build a Lightnig Class Racing Sloop" Pub. No. 5613
Good luck,
Steven

[Carl Simmons]

I can tell you what I know from the plans I purchased for my lightning. The design has changed somewhat since the introduction of plywood. The bedlogs(cheeks) along the bottom of the CB Trunk weren't notched but to hold them in place you can cut a shallow notch in the bedlogs.

Bedding compound is mentioned numerous times in this forum, just search for "bedding".

[Jim Force]

Best source for help with old woodie Lightnings is Dave Nickles at Nickles and Holman, Fenton, Mich. They know it all--new boats or old--anbd will take the time to share their knowledge.

[Jana Shaw]

I am working on restoring Lightning #7147

http://www.bakerst.org/gallery/album74

Sounds like mine is in better shape than yours!

Apparently Wooden Boat back issues 153,154, & 155 cover the building of a lightning - I am going to try to purchase them myself.

www.lightningclass.org/Woody (http://www.lightningclass.org/Woody) is fun to look at too.

That's about all the help I can offer. Keep us up to date.

[David Tabor (sailordave)]

I'm restoring Lightning 5817 (1955)

http://myboatyard.homestead.com/lightning.html

I also obtained a set of plans for a Woodie about 17 years ago when I came that close to getting a wooden Lightning but didn't. If you'd like I can get certain pages photocopied and mail them to you at cost... but if you go to the class site (link in messages above) click on STORE and then PLANS I think they will sell you a set for $10 if it's just for restoration...

Any questions feel free to email me. David