Plan Detail: Stemhead

21. Final Details

At the bow, a flat must be planed as a landing for the outer stem, which is then fastened with 2 ¹⁄ 2” No. 14 screws and epoxy. The stem extends below the sides to protect the cedar bottom boards. It also rises above the sheer where it’s sculpted to look good near its top. The foredeck simply butts against it, then a small fairing blends it all together. Nailed on top of the sides and running from foredeck to afterdeck are

beveled strips of pine that ease the transition from deck to sheer and give the sides an approximate 10° upward slope. (If you ever decide to add side decks, these pieces can be easily removed for a direct landing place.) In lieu of a mooring cleat, two holes are bored for a spliced painter. Oarlocks are optional, but in keeping with the lumberyard theme, you can opt for wooden tholepins.

The next installment of Getting Started will appear in the November/December issue of WoodenBoat, and will cover painting, building oars, and splicing a painter (bow line) for the Lumberyard Skiff.

BUILDING THE LUMBERYARD SKIFF • 10