All,
I would like to build a coffee table that is the hull of a boat. I
have a nice half hull (a shelf) to get some nice dimensions off of, I
can build frames and then apply the planks to the frames upside down. I
will leave the deck open and cover with glass. Ill have it sitting on
supports similar to dry dock(although maybe more cosmetic). My question
is are there good books that describe plank-on-frame construction other
than those for models. And are the ones for models sufficient for my
needs. My main concerns are plank thinkness, joining in transition
areas(the stern mainly, keel, bow, etc) and what to fill the gaps
with(i guess I could use normal wood filler). It will be about five
feet in length, maybe two feet wide, maybe two feet high. I might build
a prototype out of balsa or basswood, and then build the final with a
nicer wood. Thank-you for any help you can provide
Jesse M.

Just saw the thread on model materials, that helps for some ideas on
wood coices. and along the lines i was thinking of.
Jesse

Chappelle's "Wooden Boatbuilding" is the bible of course, but Buehler's
"Backyard Boatbuilding" is .a good read too.

You have the choice of using traditional methods (no glue, minimal iron
fastenings, treenails) or cobbling something else together.

Note that in traditional hulls, much of the strength came from the ceiling
rather than the outer planking. Wales (thicker outer strakes) provided
additional strength where needed; e.g. below the gun deck beams and where
the chains attached.

The deck and its framing provide as much of the hull's strength as the keel
and sides. The idea is to build a box beam that will resist bending and
crushing. Seagoing craft put the beam below the upper deck. River boats
wanted shallow draft, so they put the beam above the waterline.

Roger

http://home.insightbb.com/~derbyrm

wrote in message
ups.com...
All,
I would like to build a coffee table that is the hull of a boat. I
have a nice half hull (a shelf) to get some nice dimensions off of, I
can build frames and then apply the planks to the frames upside down. I
will leave the deck open and cover with glass. Ill have it sitting on
supports similar to dry dock(although maybe more cosmetic). My question
is are there good books that describe plank-on-frame construction other
than those for models. And are the ones for models sufficient for my
needs. My main concerns are plank thinkness, joining in transition
areas(the stern mainly, keel, bow, etc) and what to fill the gaps
with(i guess I could use normal wood filler). It will be about five
feet in length, maybe two feet wide, maybe two feet high. I might build
a prototype out of balsa or basswood, and then build the final with a
nicer wood. Thank-you for any help you can provide
Jesse M.

Have a search for the Cutter Inn in Ely, UK - they have a bar made by the
old local boatyard built as half a boat.

Dave

wrote in message
ups.com...
All,
I would like to build a coffee table that is the hull of a boat. I
have a nice half hull (a shelf) to get some nice dimensions off of, I
can build frames and then apply the planks to the frames upside down. I
will leave the deck open and cover with glass. Ill have it sitting on
supports similar to dry dock(although maybe more cosmetic). My question
is are there good books that describe plank-on-frame construction other
than those for models. And are the ones for models sufficient for my
needs. My main concerns are plank thinkness, joining in transition
areas(the stern mainly, keel, bow, etc) and what to fill the gaps
with(i guess I could use normal wood filler). It will be about five
feet in length, maybe two feet wide, maybe two feet high. I might build
a prototype out of balsa or basswood, and then build the final with a
nicer wood. Thank-you for any help you can provide
Jesse M.