Hello Paul, I'd be glad to share my thoughts. When I first envisioned this ship, my intent was to build it port side exposed rib starboard side fully planked and the decking more of the same 50/50. The more I studied other builds like the beautiful wide expanse of the deck of Grants Xebec the more enamored I became with the uninterrupted (no exposed deck beams) look in my mind's eye. I do intend one small area on the deck to be open for a small display of the deck support design in between a set of two, maybe three canon locations, probably via a removable grating. This should preserve the uninterrupted decking which again is my goal. As for the hull planking, I also prefer its beauty over the look of exposed frames however I will place an long oval observation port similar to the one shown in one of my favorite builds of @barba's build see below. His build is a full scratch from Jean Boudriot's monograph. There is something classic about a reserved observation port which is just personal preference.Hi Daniel! Maybe I missed it back in this build report somewhere - but would you be willing to share your thinking on this subject? I'm presently having an internal conversation of my own on this topic and would love to hear your thoughts.


I suppose having built the Bluenose with a 50/50 covering, I just prefer to focus on the beauty of the exterior of these old magnificent ships.






