Hi, This is my first boat build (Billing's Mary Ann) and I'm at the stage where I need to install the false deck on the ply bulkhead frame of the hull. The deck is laser-cut and made of a light 3-ply (approx 2.2mm thick). The deck has a reasonable sheer from end to end, and also a slight camber across the deck. It is cut into two halves lengthwise and it has been fettled to fit been the upper bulkhead horns.
My question is...is it best practice to soak the ply false deck in hot water before clamping and gluing to the frame to give it a bit of flexibility, or should I clamp through its natural tendency to remain flat and glue it in place under that strain?
Here it is just lightly clamped...
My question is...is it best practice to soak the ply false deck in hot water before clamping and gluing to the frame to give it a bit of flexibility, or should I clamp through its natural tendency to remain flat and glue it in place under that strain?
Here it is just lightly clamped...