Problem #2 - the chine logs.

This was supposed to be easy. Just position and connect the chine block to the stem, attach the chine logs, and bend them into place. This is how it's supposed to be done, courtesy of Glen-L:

See how much room he has? We hate him.

Unfortunately, our chine logs are 18' long, and meet at the stem at almost a 90 degree angle. There is no way we can fit this into our limited space. We tried starting at the transom and working forward, but the curve at the bow is so extreme that there is no way to bend the wood without leverage.

We also tried attaching the chine logs to the chine block outside of the garage, and then bending the assembly like a paper clip to fit it through the garage door. I won't show you any pictures, but after breaking the chine block in half, and snapping BOTH of the chine logs like pencils, we learned two things: The chine block needs the support of the stem for strength, and while mohagany may be strong, it can also be brittle.

We considered getting the wood steamed, but no matter how much we yelled and called it names, it still wouldn't bend.

Our new plan is to cut kerfs in the chine logs to help them bend. We will start at the transom again, and hopefully the extra flexibility added by the kerfs will allow us to make the curve to the chine block. Before they are finally bent into place we will fill the kerfs with epoxy, which should make the log even stronger than it was before.

Here are the chine logs, clamped together for notching. The notches (kerfs) are spaced 1.5 inches apart, are about 1/8 inch wide (one saw blade), and are about 1/2 inch deep	... and here they are, being bent around our rebuilt chine block and frames.
Some details of the chine logs, block, and stem.

<== Previous......Next ==>