2. Methods
1. Lapstrake. With traditional lapstrake construction,
adhesives like epoxy will not be used on the shell portion of
the boat, although they sometimes are still used when
constructing the backbone of the ship. This method relies
on the swelling of the wood to create a joint that is
waterproof where the planking meets.
2. Carvel. The carvel method is similar to lapstrake in that
no adhesives are used on the shell portion, but can be used
on the backbone of the boat. The planking of the hull will
uses a flexible filler of some sort to create a waterproof
seal.
3. Strip Planking. This is similar to carvel, except that
planks used are narrower (usually 1-2 inches wide instead
of 3-4 inches). They can be fit together either by
machinery or bevelling. Epoxy is used with most strip
planking boats.
3. Methods
4. Multiple Veneers. In the past, this method often
involved using a cloth soaked in oil or paint instead of
epoxy. The veneers were held together using rivets, screws
or nails. Today, epoxy adhesives are often used in this form
of construction, and also when used to restore older boats
built using this method.
5. Cold Molded. Developed out of aircraft technology from
World War II, this uses glue and vacuum pressure to hold
wood veneers together. The hulls produced are very
durable, often lasting thirty to forty years.
6. Plywood. A easy and popular boat building method for
beginners, plywood construction often is involves either
'ply-on-frame' or 'stitch-and-glue' construction methods.
The latter involves stitching and gluing together large
plywood panels, and is a very quick method of boat
building. Some plywood methods also involve using
fiberglass in the boat construction.