Posted by Mark Jones on August 21, 19103 at 15:52:02:
In Reply to: Butt or Scarfe? posted by Graham Knight on August 21, 19103 at 11:17:35:
Hi,
I am getting read to plank my boat as well, and I thought about scarfing but opted for buttjoints because even in 1/4" plywood, it's recommended that a 3" joint be established (12:1 ratio). Without a jig to keep the powerplane on a consistent angle, I think it would be challenging... although a few jigs are available. I'm not an expert, but I agree that butt joints would affect bending characteristics and would benefit from being placed in a flatter part of the hull.
-Mark
: I'm nearly ready to start preparing the plywood skins for my Squirt, and I can't decide how to join them (I'm using 8' x 4' marine ply). Butt joints are obviously easiest, but Scarfe joints look far more elegant on the inside!
: I've also noticed in many builders photos that they've placed the joins in the bottom skins towards the bow, this seems wrong to me as the wood is beginning to curve quite sharply there, towards the transom where it's flat would seem a better place.
: Does anyone have any strong opinions on any of this, any definite pros and cons for either method?