The total completed strakes is 16 and the number of planks fixed to the hull is now 211. Strake L has been completed during week ending 6/11/2019 and strake M has several planks attached.
Planks at various stages of being steamed to the required shape. Planks are wrapped in a heavy vinyl, taken to the ship and clamped at one end to the hull. After a few hours of having the vinyl bag filled with steam the plank can be gently bent and clamped to the hull. The plank is then allowed to cool and maintain its required shape. Next step is to attach it to hull with bolts, dumps and spikes.
The total completed strakes is 15 as at 19/10/2019. Strake K has been completed during the last week. The shipwrights have been busy laying out battens to position the next 8 strakes ( between K and T ).
The planking has now prevented access to the engine room directly from the barge.
The total completed strakes is 14 and the number of planks fixed to the hull has increased to 183 as at Saturday 5/10/2019. Strake J has been completed during the last 2 weeks and strakes K and L have some planks attached.
The planks at the stern extend pass the rudder post to the underside of the cover board.
The photo below, taken in August 2013, illustrates how the strakes were previously.
The total completed strakes is 13 and the number of planks fixed to the hull has increased to 163 as at Saturday 21/9/2019. Strake I has been completed during week prior and strakes J and K now have some planks attached.
