Lapstrake project.

[Proa42]

19' Lapstrake skiff (Looks like Newfound Trap Skiff - sort of) has bent ribs, 20 of which need replacement. I want to go with two-piece ribs so I do not have to remove the deck. Ribs will be fastened at the keel with a batten running above, also secured to the keel. These are very light ribs - 1/2" X 15/16 (moulded and sided respectively), but the deck structure gets in the way of making it a one-piece installation.

By the way: avoid buying wooden boats on E-bay, unless you can inspect before bidding. Or, unless the seller attempts to discourage you. Someone put lipstick on the pig, and I kissed it. It's going to be a while before I get the bad taste out of my mouth.

Hmmmm. Pig??? Ribs???? I got it!

No, I'll try to fix it before I "barbeque" it.

[Peerie Maa]

Why not run steam bent "floors" across the keel?
The traditional method would have been to fit them in between the half frames out to the third run of planking, but if your skarfing is up to it you could skarf the "floors" to the frames. If you are concerned that the frames are too light, you could beef up the "floors" tapering them down to the frame moulding at their ends.

[Proa42]

This thing was actually built like a canue -- frames and floors bent in at once. I've started putting in the frames. I got some input from lots of good folk. I'm going with the 1/2 method, as I was advised by a builder/author that I could even offset the ribs and get full use of the keelson for each frame, without weakening the boat.

I've read a lot of stuff here and on the boat design forum. Because of that I've been able to assemble an inexpensive steamer, and I've only broken one rib during bending and that was the first. (I didn't time it). But, it was a good learning experience. It was only a 4' piece anyway. I have 7 pieces in.

I presoaked the pieces for 2 days, in a bath of water and borate - just in case. I suppose if it works, some poor guy will find the decaying rmains of this boat 30 years hence and wonder why those ribs remain. Seems to give the wood a blue tint.

[ShagRock]

Sounds like you found a solution. I'd be curious to see pictures, if you can post them, as it's hard to tell what boat you have. It's not likely a Newfoundland trap skiff with ribs so tiny (see link below). You note it's length at 19', but what are the other dimensions, like beam, etc.?

http://www.woodenboat.com/forum/showthread.php?t=82977