Prospector Inwales, Scuppers, Steam Bending

AsaBlanchard · Post by **AsaBlanchard** » Mon Sep 06, 2010 6:23 pm

Fellow Boat Builders,
I am building a 17' Prospector from Canoe Craft using walnut inwales with scuppers and tapering the ends as recommended from 7/8 to 3/8. I am concerned the walnut will break while bending if already cut with scuppers. In what order do you complete the inwales?
1. Bevel sides as needed.
2. Steam bend
3. Cut scuppers and taper end
4. Attach
Is this correct? Or cut the scuppers first, then steam bend?

Thanks for your replies,
Asa

David James · Post by **David James** » Mon Sep 06, 2010 7:47 pm

Asa, I didn't have to steam bend the inwales for my Freedom 17, but I would do it in the order you listed. Better chance for a nice smooth bend I would think...

Dave

Post by **Patricks Dad** » Mon Sep 06, 2010 10:17 pm

I would cut scuppers first, then taper ends, then steambend.

Your scuppers should not extend into the region that will be steamed. Consequently, you should have no problems steaming after you cut your scuppers. The inwale will be easier to handle/machine before you steam bend...

jturk · Post by **jturk** » Tue Sep 07, 2010 4:47 am

Asa
I used walnut for the gunwales on my prospector 16. I did not pre bend or steam prior to attaching. I had lots of clamps but no problems.

Denis · Post by **Denis** » Tue Sep 07, 2010 6:22 pm

Asa

I would enlist some help attaching the gunnels if you aren't going to steam them first. Start in the middle of course and clamp as you make the bends.

You will need a lot of clamps if you aren't using screws

Denis

Ben · Post by **Ben** » Tue Sep 07, 2010 11:58 pm

Ditto on the clamps. I did the gunwales on my Freedom 17-9 by myself with just thickened epoxy. The outwales took all 43 of my clamps, and I wished I had a couple more. I used cherry without steaming, but there is much less stem rise on the Freedoms.

AsaBlanchard · Post by **AsaBlanchard** » Thu Sep 09, 2010 11:56 am

Gentleman,
I did a "dry bend" last night and to my dismay it appeared the inwales will make the bend without steaming. I did bevel one inwale the wrong direction, which meant I had to remark the locations of scuppers, seats and thwarts that are not cut out yet.

I don't work well upside down and backwards. I made a mess of the crown molding on my cabinets too!

Onward and Upwards,

Thanks for the suggestions,

Asa,
Boat Builder wanne be