Classic Australian Wooden Power Boat Association

Last time I checked, Furniture Timbers in Port Melbourne had meranti in long lengths. You'll need a semi-trailer though.... to carry the cash to pay for it!

Bob

Same sort of thing at Mathews timber. Have a look at Tile Importers if you are in Melbourne. If you go there to have a look or to purchase make sure that you ge the darkest coloured timber that they have available.

Their stock is just inside the left hand roller door on the left as you are facing the building. Last time I was there they had good stock levels.
Cheers
Peter

Thanks guys,I don't think the ribs are Maranti- they are a much lighter colour than the planks. There are nine planks each side. I watched this you tube video for inspiration http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UC4L3v2eUs0 and they make it look easy. Is it anything like this in real life???? If so I am wondering what I will do in the afternoon.
Regards
Nick

The planks are probably meranti but the ribs are more than likely spotted gum. It bends easily when steamed and ideal for ribs.
Peter

Thanks guys, I'll pass that info onto Narelle for when she starts Ajay

Nice youtube clip Nick....that easy huh!?!

I suppose that it is that easy but remember their boat is a bit skinnier than most of ours.
Also unless you have the boat off the trailer or are about 8' tall you will be reaching over the side of the boat to do all the bending of the ribs, maybe even climbing in and out.

You'll definitely have to climb in and sit in the bilges to do the roving of the new ribs in place.

Thanks Peter for the lend of the steamer. Got busy today and manged to get three ribs fitted. very happy with the results so far.
Regards
Nick

So you found out that the timber is easy to bend when it's steamed. I also had a whole lot of 6g screws with ply pads that I should have given you to hold the ribs in place nice and tight in the turn of the bilge while you are waiting to finish nailing and roving.

Glad that it worked well for you..

Peter

How did the rib work go? I hope that you got them all replaced before the holidays finished.

Hi Peter,
I didn't quite finish before the holidays. I did get down to The Wooden Boat Shop to get nails and roves and I got the front four ribs in. All went very well. Yesterday I set out to put in the back three and went from smug to mug. Due to the much tighter bend at the rear of the boat I kept breaking the ribs. In desperation I soaked the ribs first and then steamed them and that did the trick. All the ribs are now in but one is of set from the old nail holes at the keel, so I will probably need to do that one again.
What I need now is a rove punch. I thought that they would have them at the Wooden Boat Shop, but no such luck. I guess that I will have to make my own up.
Any tips, photos etc gratefully received as I have never seen one!
Regards
Nick