Plank Lap: To glue or not to glue

[1stnewyorker]

I am about to hang my second hull strake on my 23-foot dory. It is being built as an 18th Century vessel for Rev War reenacting so I'll be using clench nails to fasten the planks. However, I'm not sure whether I should use an adhesive such as 5200 or Sikaflex between the laps, or just the clinch nails. I would greatly appreciate your opinions.

[Venchka]

If you couldn't/wouldn't use bronze ring nails for the sake of authenticity........hmmmmmm

I've read that a mixture of pine tar, horse hair and other foul things were used in plank laps way back when.

Both John Gardner and Pete Culler would say nothing is needed in the laps.

Wayne
In the Swamp. :D

[Bob Smalser]

Depends on your joinery whether it'll be useful or not, but suspect most rough work boats of that era had pitch or tar between laps and for general bedding and seam filling.

Pitch made from tree sap isn't so easy to find, but pine tar is at any farrier or large animal vet.

I use thick Henry's Roofing Cement (petroleum tar) for many work boat applications...comes in caulking tubes at the big box stores.

[1stnewyorker]

I admit that the thought of using adhesive between the laps is veering from true historical authenticity, but like we say in reenacting, if it looks good from 10 feet, it's authentic enough. Being a novice boatbuilder, I'm just a little concerned about "screwing it up". But if the general concensus is that not using any adhesive will be fine, then that's the way I'll go. Thanks guys.