Installing the Side Planks and Completing the Hull
Now it's time to give our little Skiff its hull shape!

Step 1 — Fitting the Side Planks
Lightly sand the edges of both side planks to remove any burrs or rough spots. Remember, the wider ends face the bow.

Fit the first plank against the bottom plank, frames, stem, and transom. Align its upper edge with the tops of the stem and transom, allowing a little extra wood to extend beyond both ends for trimming.

Once you're happy with the fit, glue the plank in place using the adhesive recommended in the manual. Repeat the same procedure on the opposite side.

Make sure the side plank fits snugly against the transom and the bottom plank before the glue sets.

With both sides in place, the basic hull shape is now taking form. Notice that the planks extend beyond the ends, leaving extra material for final trimming.

Step 2 — Trimming and Fairing
Once the glue has set, remove the stem brace and push-pins, then carefully lift the hull from the strongback.

Check the alignment from the stern to make sure the stem is square with the transom. Trim the excess wood at the bow and stern, then carefully sand the side planks flush with the bottom plank and the adjoining parts.

Take your time here, rookies! A smooth, even edge will make the next steps much easier.

Step 3 — Installing the Breasthook

The breasthook is the small, pre-cut piece fitted inside the bow. Sand its edges to create a close fit against the back of the stem and both side planks.

Position it flush with the upper edges of the side planks and glue it in place. This helps support the bow where the two sides meet.

Step 4 — Adding the Chafing Plank
Turn the hull over and prepare the long strip that runs down the center of the bottom.

The manual specifies an *8-inch length of 1/16″ × 1/4″ basswood stripwood*.
Center it over the bottom plank's joint line, starting at the blunt end of the stem, and glue it in place. Trim and sand the ends flush with the transom and stem.

This strip is called the *chafing plank*. It protects the bottom of the skiff from wear.

Step 5 — Fitting the False Stem
Now we can finish the outside of the bow.

Cut a piece of basswood measuring *¼″ × ¼″ × 1⅜″*. Glue it centrally over the front of the stem and the ends of the side planks, making sure it overlaps them.

After the glue has cured, use a sanding block to shape the false stem to a point, blending it smoothly and flush with the side planks. Work along the length of the stem so you don't accidentally sand through the thin side planking.

Pic. 23 — Shaping the bow**

The hull now has its basic shape. The bow piece will be sanded to blend with the side planks and create a clean, even finish.

Step 6 — Adding the Rear Seat Risers
We're nearly ready to move on to the interior!

The last parts in this stage are the rear seat risers, which support the rear seat.
Cut two pieces, each *1¼ inches long*, from the 1/16″ × 1/8″ basswood strip (in my case, I used mahogany.)

Mark their positions 5/16″ below the upper edges of the side planks, near the transom. Glue them against the inside of the side planks, with their ends butted against the transom.

And there we have it, rookies! Our little Skiff finally has its hull shape, a finished bow, and the supports for the rear seat.