The next big step in building this UJ pirogue will be installing the stems and ribs. Stem installation looks pretty straightforward, but I have an idea on installing the ribs I want to run by the group here.
I'm obviously brand new to boat building but it seems like getting the ribs installed at 90-degrees to the sides will set the rocker fore & aft...it also seems like getting everything installed in the right place is going to be a chore if the holes are drilled after the sides are attached to the stems.
To make sure everything lines up, I was thinking of pre-drilling holes in the sides (with the side pieces clamped together) to make sure the ribs go into place the same way. I figured I could pre-drill for the center rib at 1/2 the total length, then for the front & rear ribs at 1/4 the total length (making the line of holes 90 degrees to the bottom edge of the sides. If I make a template to locate the holes, seems like I can use it to make sure the holes are pre-drilled into the ribs in the right place too.
Can anyone think of a reason why this wouldn't work?
I'm obviously brand new to boat building but it seems like getting the ribs installed at 90-degrees to the sides will set the rocker fore & aft...it also seems like getting everything installed in the right place is going to be a chore if the holes are drilled after the sides are attached to the stems.
To make sure everything lines up, I was thinking of pre-drilling holes in the sides (with the side pieces clamped together) to make sure the ribs go into place the same way. I figured I could pre-drill for the center rib at 1/2 the total length, then for the front & rear ribs at 1/4 the total length (making the line of holes 90 degrees to the bottom edge of the sides. If I make a template to locate the holes, seems like I can use it to make sure the holes are pre-drilled into the ribs in the right place too.
Can anyone think of a reason why this wouldn't work?