All this hard work getting the frames and other structural pieces into shape is finally paying off. We can use this structural framework as a form when making and bending new pieces to fit the boat. A good example is the Intermediate Frames.
Intermediate frames are the sticks that go between the main and auxiliary frames to provide another fastening point for the bottom planks. We made these out of 5/8″ x 1″ pieces of white oak. We steamed them for about an hour–probably could have gone a bit longer–they were hard to bend! Then, as you can see, we just bent them under a batten clamped down the center of the frames to give them the curve they’ll need in the area of the boat they’ll be used. Keep in mind that you’re seeing parts for both the port and starboard sides of the bottom here, clamped on place on the starboard side only. But since the bottom is symmetrical, we can use one side for both.
For these small forward pieces it was easier to just make a simple form on the bench.