Thread: Might bid on this?

looks good. But if it is a traditional clinker, will there be issues if you store it dry?

What problems, does the hull dry out and open up? Must clinker boats be moored?

nick

Sorry for the delay Utey, I was hoping one of the experts might jump in there. My understanding is that a traditional clinker will rely on the water to swell the seams shut, and that many are deliberately sunk at the start of a season, having dried out. I'm also aware that some people keep a bit of water in the hull while stored 'dry' to keep things under control, I don't know the specifics, but it is a management issue that I would consider before purchasing such a boat if you don't have a mooring.
A while ago I was tempted by the possibility of a carvel boat at a cheap price, but that was an issue that stopped me...I'll see if I can find that thread; someone better informed might have said something useful.
Rob

Thanks for the info.
Spoke to the seller they have it moored but fill? with salt water if out of water for any length of time not fresh water as this rots the wood.


Nick

If it's a solid lumber planked boat, then she'll dry out a good bit if the lap fasteners aren't good and tight. This can lead to split planks and pulled fasteners. If it's a plywood planked boat, the seams should remain pretty much the same dry or wet, as plywood is quite stable.

The planks in this one are solid Kauri Pine

Originally Posted by rob540

My understanding is that a traditional clinker will rely on the water to swell the seams shut, and that many are deliberately sunk at the start of a season, having dried out. I'm also aware that some people keep a bit of water in the hull while stored 'dry' to keep things under control, I don't know the specifics, but it is a management issue that I would consider before purchasing such a boat if you don't have a mooring.
Rob

This is something the old traditional guernsey fishermen use to do Rob, nearly all their boats where clinker built by them selves to no particular design just something they drew up whilst in the pup

unfortunately nearly all these boats have now been glassed over to eliminate the shrinkage issue, but most now are rotting quite badly due to the glassing

That would be interesting as a thread if you could ever be bothered- and if it isn't too late already Richard; photos of even the rotting ones to show the variety and maybe irregularity of the lines. Any old hulks that you can still see might not be visible to the next generation of folk, and a collection of photos might end up being very valuable...because modernity takes away all our diversity. Dozens of traditional variations become one single type, the same from Tokyo to Tasmania if we don't watch out...just a thought.
Rob

Originally Posted by rob540

That would be interesting as a thread if you could ever be bothered- and if it isn't too late already Richard; photos of even the rotting ones to show the variety and maybe irregularity of the lines. Any old hulks that you can still see might not be visible to the next generation of folk, and a collection of photos might end up being very valuable...because modernity takes away all our diversity. Dozens of traditional variations become one single type, the same from Tokyo to Tasmania if we don't watch out...just a thought.
Rob

when i'm well enough to be out and about i'll get some photos of the old girls as i find them and post them up for all to see

Thanks for the input.
Its solid planked, would I have any problems if i put it in the water (fresh) every couple of weeks. How long would it have to be out of the water to cause a problem.
These may be obvious questions but I don't want to damage what seems to be a nice restored boat.
Also can some one explain how a Blaxland Motor works, how is it engaged,fuel system, drive etc.
Thanks again.

Nick

salt water is better fresh water will rot the timber

Sorry to labour a point.

Should you use a solid planked timber boat in fresh water?

If yes what precautions should be taken to avoid rot?

Nick

Yes of course you can use a wooden boat in fresh water you can even moor it in fresh water, providing that keep all the painted bits nice. Don't let any water stand in the boat, so to that end get a good tight cover made, remembering to include vents to let the inside "breathe" and not allow condensation to form. Regarding your Blaxland engine ... try this Blaxland