wood is somewhat compressable so the thin edge will compress. however it
could also deform so when the wood dries out again the gap is larger.

it was common for boat hauled out over the winter to leak when first put
back in the water in the spring because the wood (and calking) had dried
out and opened over the winter. the boat would be left in shallow water to
soak up tight and stop leaking. it would them be bailed out and used for
the season.

there is an antique boat club near here which uses pumps in the spring to
keep the boats from sinking while they are soaking up.

"Steve" ) writes:
the boat was built, the inner plank edges were touching, the outer edges
were angled away so you can put in caulking.

Plank edges do not normally touch there is a gap that will allow for the
ultimate swelling or expansion of the plank. If the caulking cotton is
driven to tight (or you fill the seam with glue or epoxy) the plank will
'pull it's fastenings". The expanding plank has to go someplace.


--
My opinion and experience. FWIW

Steve
s/v Good Intentions




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