North Alaska Replica Kayak Frame Build, Day 10. Started work on the many deck beams today. These will be the first kayaks I’ve built that have more deck beams than ribs. (27 on the longer one).
Fortunately I invented a clever miter jig that allows me to cut the precise angle of the gunwales to exactly the depth of the tenon the with minimal marking or cutting effort.
Unfortunately I forgot to flip the jig to the opposite side (different flare angle) for the second kayak, requiring us to build those deck beams twice. Alas…
We also laminated the curve for the deck beam at the front of the cockpit. This deck beam is a pronounced arch on this style of kayak and very different from the five peaked deck beams in front of it, (which we can make with lap joints) Undoubtedly this was made originally from a curved piece of branch or root, but seeing as how I don’t have time to go dig up a pine tree, a zillion tiny laminations was the only alternative.
I can’t say this is great progress for a day, but it is progress.
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