Question about 18th Century Longboat Cap Rail

[Sparky]

Question about 18th Century Longboat Cap Rail
Not sure of how to create the cap rail as directed with the plans?
Any thoughts will be appreciated
Thank you

 

[Kurt Konrath]

OK, what it is saying is use a flat piece of wood, as you can't bend rail edge wise, place the boat upside down on flat piece of wood and draw outside hull line, then on inside edge of original line draw inside edge line 1/8 from original to give you an outline for your cap, which should be about 1/8 wide.

As guided, when cutting leave some meat (excess wood) on inside and outside of final cap rail to allow for final adjustments.

I would then check to see if it fits other side of boat, as not all sides are in perfect symmetry of each other. Make adjustments as needed and use first to cut out template for second side.

Glue to tops of hull frame and sheer posts, the cap rail should be as wide as needed to cover hull line and cover tops of sheer posts on inside.

Note the comments about notch on transom and cap rail extending to aft side of transom.

Hope this helps.

 

[Dave Stevens (Lumberyard)]

cap rails are not bent to shape they are cut to shape

here is what I do

turn the hull upside down on a piece of stiff cardboard



and trace around the outer edge



then once you have the traced edge measure in the width of the caprail and move your hull to the marks and trace in inside line




or use what I call the milk jug method



I cut out the sides panels and use the stiff plastic to make a pattern. This works great if you have stanchions that go through the caprail



and I make my pattern



bottom line

you need to make a pattern from the hull

 

[Sparky]

cap rails are not bent to shape they are cut to shape

here is what I do

turn the hull upside down on a piece of stiff cardboard

View attachment 153529

and trace around the outer edge

View attachment 153531

then once you have the traced edge measure in the width of the caprail and move your hull to the marks and trace in inside line

View attachment 153532


or use what I call the milk jug method

View attachment 153533

I cut out the sides panels and use the stiff plastic to make a pattern. This works great if you have stanchions that go through the caprail

View attachment 153534

and I make my pattern

View attachment 153535

bottom line

you need to make a pattern from the hull

Thank you very much.. Thank you for the pics of your process of making the pattern, very helpful!