Major problem applying sides

[BruceB]

Next is applying plywood sides to the chines and sheers. I put a straight edge across the outside of the chines and sheers and it is not flush. It only touches part of each. It is worst where they met at the stem. The plan calls for the chines to twist to match the stem. However, that brings them in vertically and parallel. The plan calls for the sheers to come together at the stem at 30 degrees. Obviously, that is not going to work. At this point it seems I will have to make shims to allow for more surface area where the chines and sheers meet the plywood. I am building a 16' drift boat, Hankinson design.

[mrintense]

It sounds like you might not have had a chance to read the Boat Building With Plywood book that Glen L offers. This is a must read when building one of these boats. Highly recommended and it will answer many of your questions.

https://www.boatdesigns.com/Boatbuildin ... fo/12-430/

[Hercdrvr]

Shoot us a picture of what you've got going on there. It sounds pretty typical of the challenges at the bow.
Matt B

[galamb]

Are you forgetting there is some (bend/bow) in the sides of the hull.

You should have to "bend" the straight edge (and the panel itself while installing) to make full contact with the chine and the sheer.

If you could lay an (unflexed) straight edge and get perfect contact you end up with a very straight, slab sided hull (if you are understanding what I'm saying).

[BruceB]

Here are three photos. overall, chine and sheer

[Hercdrvr]

Looks fine, you’re 1/2 way there, keep fairing. If the sheer starts to get uncomfortably thin from all the fairing then glue a strip on the inside of the sheer.
Matt B

[Hercdrvr]

BTW, What boat is this?
Matt B

[BruceB]

16' wide bottom, standard sides drift boat, a Hankinson design. Thanks for your help.