I wanted mahogany for the rubbing strake, transom skirt trim and toe rails, planning to keep it varnished for contrast. I found an 18' length of meranti (phillipine mahogany) at a good price, and bought it. I have cut the first level for the rubbing strake, offered it to the boat, but am really concerned at the difficulty of bending it, especially the forward 6' of the hull. The wood would be under serious stress to pull away from the hull all its life. Two possibilities:
a) Build a 20' long steam box, and at least get the approximate bend set in the wood. Might be fun!
b) Cut vertical saw slots part-way through the inner surface of each piece, ensuring that the slots are filled with epoxy as it's glued up. (There's probably a name for this approach)
I would appreciate comments and experiences with either approach, and any other approaches that might work. Two other thoughts are to make up a stainless steel bracket to go around the forward end, or to put a 1/4" SS bolt through all sic pieces and the bow to take the strain.
Thanks
Steve Walker
Kilderkin II