Finishing the floor timbers

After several coats of varnish, the planking is ready for me to start mounting things onto it. First are the floor timbers, the shape is lifted directly from the lofting, and then scribed or spiled to fit the laps. After I am happy with the fit, I cut the limber holes. The floors are then sanded and pre-finished, then I install them with bedding compound and screws. The floor timbers are essential to the wooden hull, and serve several duties: holding the two halves of the boat together, stiffening the bilges, and supporting the sole boards.