Why install the side planks first? (Squirt, etc.)

[Wakemaker]

Please excuse my ignorance, but why do we install the side planks first?
It seems to me we could install the bottom planks (plywood) first, then the sides could cover the end grain of the bottom planks for a better appearance.

BTW: I'm getting ready to go on my Squirt. Still reading all the forums, and I have Mr. Witt's book on order !

Thanks,

[Hercdrvr]

It’s Easier to clamp the side planking along the sheer as you glue and screw if it goes on 1st.
Matt B

[Wakemaker]

That makes a lot of sense !
In the front, where most (or all) of the forming of the plywood is, the sides are much larger and thus require more work / clamps / etc. to bend into place. I can see how this would be a huge PITA if the floor planks were already installed.
The floor planks, on the other hand, taper to nearly nothing as they bend, so they would be much easier to install second.

Is the "Transition Joint" 100% required, or is it simply for a better appearance?

Thanks !!!

[JimmY]

It’s Easier to clamp the side planking along the sheer as you glue and screw if it goes on 1st.
Matt B

+1 on this comment.

The bottom doesn't have as much of a twist and bend, and you have gravity on your side when you attach the bottom.

[Roberta]

Agreed on reasons for applying the sides first.

The transition joint is necessary to go from the lap joint in the aft part along the chines to a butt joint in the forward part. Generally this is done when the angle increases to a point where a butt joint is more appropriate. A cut is made in the planking so one side is the end of the lap joint and the other side becomes a butt joint. It sounds complicated, but is very simple. It does need a little planning and deliberation.

There are examples of this joint in va build threads. Search on "transition joint".

Roberta

[mrintense]

Here's some examples. The first two phots show the side skin transition joint to the bottom skins.

I also did a similar transition joint between the two forward bottom skins as the "V" on my hull was fairly large.

[Roberta]

Excellent examples. Good job, Carl.

Roberta

[Wakemaker]

Is there a "rule of thumb" for where to make the transition?
(Perhaps an achieved angle)

[mrintense]

Is there a "rule of thumb" for where to make the transition?
(Perhaps an achieved angle)

If I recall correctly, I think what I was looking for was to minimize the amount of end grain showing on the skin as you move forward along the seam line. If you look at the first picture you can see that the forward part of the transition is starting to get wider and will continue to do so as you move forward. This corresponds to the upper skin's edge getting narrower and narrower. This will especially be evident after sanding away the excess plywood.

I highly recommend practicing on a piece of scrap first.

[Hercdrvr]

I guess you could try to plank your boat without a transition joint. A 90 degree butt joint might look funny or a 180 degree lap joint if you come from the other direction.
Im just kidding around, it’s a perplexing concept to the new builder that becomes clear when you start planking.
Have fun and keep us posted.
Matt B