Nautical Research Journal
were cut to rough shape they had to have kerfs cut in quite close together to allow bending to the tight curves needed. Even this was not enough, so the forward several inches were wetted and bent to the fi nal radius by pressing with a hot laundry iron. All of these structural elements were screwed in place without glue and leſt for a week to adjust to all of the stresses that had been built up. (Figure 9)
With the hull sides set, the gunports could now be located in relation to the deck. T eir horizontal locations were taken from the plans and marked on the exterior. T is was transferred inside with a small drilled hole. T e vertical location was measured to match the height of some test cannon previously made up. T is gave me the center, which was transferred back outside and the exact location of the port was drawn in. I insured uniformity in the size of the ports by gluing up a square tube whose inside dimensions matched the port. T is was slid horizontally through a slightly larger opening in the side piece, as seen in the inset. T e excess wood on both ends was marked and cut off and the frame glued into place. When secure, the excess frame was simply sanded smooth with the side. T e port side was done fi rst, then those to starboard were cut and fi tted to match. T e relative locations were checked using another wooden tube that slid through the frames. T is tube was used later to make the gunport sills in much the same manner as the frames, just with a small inset step. (Figure 10)
Aſt er the gunports in the bow were done, all the pieces could be secured
10. Gunport construction. 207
11. Lower hull painted.
12. Clamping wales end on.
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