Two more hours and the frame is basically complete. The forward deck stringers have been added and the stern stem plate is installed. The coaming stock is soaking and the fabric is ordered. The only things left to do to the frame are to install footboards, sand any rough spots and oil the frame with boiled linseed oil.

The stern stem plate.

The forward deck stringer detail. Note the spacer blocks between the stringers and the beams.

The big test.

McKinley is reasonably happy with the results.

Ready to bend the coaming. I have upgraded my steam system. I found a new one-burner LP stove for $19.99 and a 4 gallon pressure cooker (from the local Goodwill) for $7.49. I used an air hose fitting screwed into the hole in the top of the cooker to connect 6 feet of heater hose ($9.60) to the steam box. The steam box connection is made with a 1/2" floor flange (67¢) and a 4" piece of threaded pipe (95¢). The steam box is the other 7 feet of my strongback.

Total cost $37.70.

The cooker setup.

This is the bending jig for the coaming. It is made of two-by stock screwed to a plywood base. The strap supports the wood during the bend.

McKinley and Dad bending the coaming. After soaking for 5 days and steaming for 10 minutes, the 1 1/2" wide, 1/4" thick oak stock bent like rubber.

The coaming bent and clamped for cooling.