Research Note

Garboard Strakes

Dan Pariser

Here is another way to address the garboard problem - and one that is basically foolproof:

Select your garboard plank width (about 1.5x the width of your hull planking stock) and cut off a test length.

Garboard plank against the keel rabbet
← Place the garboard plank into the keel rabbet in the midships area and slide it forward until the bottom edge just starts to lift out of the rabbet due to the upward curve of the rabbet as you approach the stem. Pull back until the garboard seats into the rabbet along its whole length.


Garboard plank against the keel rabbet

Broad strake positioned to define garboard end


Broad strake positioned to define garboard end

→ Place a second plank along the top edge of the garboard and slide the second plank forward, keeping it flat against the bulkhead/filler piece/solid hull surface, until its forward lower corner hits the rabbet at the stem. Mark this point, as well as the lower edge of the second plank forward of the garboard test plank.

Garboard end cut to fit
← You have now defined the top edge of the garboard in such a way that the lower edge of the second plank (first broad strake) will be straight when it is installed. Cut and fit the garboard plank to this shape so it fits into the rabbet.


Garboard end cut to fit

Brig hull planked using above method. Note that only one drop plank was needed.
→ Now you can spile, line out and plank the balance of the hull as before.
Hope that helps.
{Dan Pariser}


Brig hull planked using above method. Note that only one drop plank was needed.

Back?