Classic Yacht TVvideo
EP12 fitting planks: Building the schooner Malabar IV
February 25, 2026 · 13 min · 6K views
What this video covers
Hull planking on the schooner Malabar IV reaches an active stage in early November, with steam-bending the primary technique for fitting planks that carry significant twist from amidships to the sternpost.0:18 The builder test-fits each plank dry first, checking the run along its full length to identify high spots, dips, and caulking seams that need adjustment before steaming, because correcting edge set after bending becomes much harder.3:50 Planks with heavy twist at the stern are left clamped loosely on the boat, bagged, and steamed in situ so they take the hull's compound shape under heat.3:09 Deck structure is also progressing: beam shelves, beams, and carlins are fastened with traditional copper rivets through the frames and planking, and mast partners and blocking between deck beams are fitted to carry structural loads at the mast partners and deck fittings.2:00 The sequence — dry fit, assess, steam, clamp — confirms that checking plank alignment before applying heat prevents wasted timber and avoids forcing corrections on an already-set plank.
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