Side planks

The stems are sewn to the bottom plank. A set of shape templates is attached.

The front stem block is sewn to the bottom plank.

In addition to the stitching, the stem block is also locked to the bottom plank with a through-going light tapered pin,
which is then secured with a wedge.

The bottom plank is prepared for the joint with the lower horn; the stem wood (oak) is mounted and secured with an oak pin in the same way as the stem block, both in the upper and lower horn.

The templates are secured against twisting and screwed to laths in the bottom of the boat, which are tied to the cleats in the bottom plank.
A side plank is held in place with cords through the plank cleats.

Mounting templates have been set up to hold the planks in place.
The cleats on the starboard side plank are being cut out.

Prepare the starboard side plank for sewing. Check the progress of the railing.

A total of three plumb bobs, suspended from a steel cable under the ceiling, are used to ensure that the boat does not twist when the planks are sewn on.
The planks are sewn from amidships and towards the bow and stern and on both sides simultaneously.

Preparation of sealing material:
Carded sheep's wool dipped in liquid (warm) ox tallow and wrapped in newspaper for later use.

Sewing. There is a found S-shaped tool that can be used but is somewhat cumbersome, so we made our own.

Sewing with a long cord. To protect the bast cord from wear and tear and degradation, it is tarred with wood tar.

It takes two to sew, one above to form the knot and one below the boat to attach the loose end of the string to the other part and tighten the seam.

Adjusting the side plank edge to match the bottom plank edge. Here at frame 10.
Note the change in angle of the bottom plank edge.

The sewing is approaching the bow block and the sewing of the side plank to the bow is being prepared.

Preparing to sew the side plank to the bow.
The wood pieces protect the holes when the white cords are pulled tight. Linden wood is a bit soft.

The side plank is now sewn to the bow.

Railing plank set up. As you can see, some wood is missing. It will be dealt with later!

And that's the whole way!

Once both side planks were in place, we had a party (again) on 8 June 1997.
Various working methods were demonstrated, including how to make 2-strand sewing cord.