Freshwater Heritage by Don Bamford

Author:Don Bamford
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Dundurn
Published: 2007-08-14T16:00:00+00:00

On large vessels, the floor pieces would be put in place, fastened and aligned. Then the half frames would be hoisted into place on both sides, and secured with shores and battens. Sketch by Heidi Hoffman.

On smaller vessels, a different technique was used. A temporary assembly platform, or framing stage, was built up across the keel. On this stage, the frame would be assembled under the supervision of the master shipwright. Since the frames were 15 to 30 feet across and up to 30 feet high, the platform must be at least this size. It would be moved along the length of the ship as the work progressed. Framing commenced near amidships where a few frames were essentially identical, but as the work progressed forward or aft, every frame became different. As the ends were approached, the curve of the shape became so extreme that it was necessary to set the frame at an angle so as to present a flat surface to the planking. This work required complex cutting where these frames joined the keel fore and aft. These were known as cant frames. Exceptional skill was required in this work.

After assembly on the platform, the frame was reinforced with cross spalls near the top, and the frame and keel were notched to accept one another. The frame was then raised into place and positioned across the keel.

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