Binding the Binder Strake

This afternoon we cut out the first curved binder strake and planed in its bevels. She fits like a dream and is ready for the riveting crew. Where's my riveting crew?

This evening I finished spiling out the shape of the second binder strake on the floor. Then I picked out two boards that would cover the drawing and scarfed together  a wonderfully wiggly binder blank. Tomorrow we'll transfer the spiling to this one, cut, bevel, and affix it to the boat. 

Once the riveting crew shows up.

Much as I love building plywood dories and McKenzie boats, there is something very aesthetically thrilling about lapstrake construction. And the smells—instead of the chemical stench of epoxy work, it's the aromas of wood shavings. Better for the body, better for the soul.