Originally Posted by RodB Originally Posted by

Bill and Steven...You know, I have not really explained this properly. Its more complicated than just making the panels stiffer in one orientation. I have made this edit also in the beginning of this thread.



The multi-scarfed panels that have been rotated are really an engineering method of optimizing the natural bend of the panels to fit the panel shape in the construction of the hull. The Designer of my first flats skiff and this design, Tracy Obrien, told me long ago about this technique of fabricating panels. I think he pretty much recommends it most of the time in stitch and glue construction but it depends on the hull in question. The hull sections of the longer panels are "stiffened" from side to side across the hull with the 90 degree rotation . If you build a hull such as this with just longer sections of ply (like cutting ply panels along their 8 foot length)... the panels actually "cup" because of their increased flexability across the panel.



As you know, plywood sheets are stiffer in their longer orientation. Rotating the crosscut panels 90 degrees allows the panels to bend easier fore and aft...thus making for easier fitting of the panels to the shape of the hull. The resulting glued up panels are stiffer across their short side (sheer to sheer), but flex easier fore and aft to fit in their intended shape. According to Tracy, this is just taking advantage of the natural bend and flexability of the materials in an engineering sense to attain the shape of the hull easier.

