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🔧 Repairing Cracked Lapstrake Planks with Epoxy | Traditional Wooden Boat Repair In this episode of Nomad Boatbuilding, Mark Reuten tackles cracks in a traditionally-built Acorn dinghy using time-tested techniques paired with West System epoxy. This classic wooden boat, once built at the Cowichan Bay Maritime Centre, suffered sun damage during dry storage—leading to several split and cracked lapstrake planks. Mark walks through a careful repair using Dutchmen (splines), epoxy filling, and heat-assisted saturation for tight hairline cracks. With a blend of traditional craftsmanship and modern epoxy methods, this is an excellent deep dive into wooden boat repair for anyone restoring or maintaining traditional planked hulls. ▶️ In this video, you’ll learn: When and how to use splines to reinforce cracked planks How to flood-checks with unthickened epoxy Tips for using heat to thin epoxy without weakening it How to stop cracks from spreading When to choose spline vs. fill-and-seal techniques Smart clamping and jigging techniques for awkward repairs Why grain orientation and end-grain saturation matter This video is the first of a two-part series focused on bringing this traditional dinghy back to life. Stay tuned for Part 2! 🎥 Watch more videos on traditional boatbuilding: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLnOoJJKdbR4Lk9QaAMWkjBHCzF1Nto2Um&si=g1004uIALSvgEzpV 🛠 Sponsored by: https://www.westsystem.com My website: https://www.nomadboatbuilding.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nomadboatbuilding/ It's not about the money but living isn't free... Here are some ways you can support this channel. Buy some merch: https://www.nomadboatbuilding.com/shop/ Support these videos with monthly or annual pledges at Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/nomadboatbuilding Or make a one time donation: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/nomadboatbuilding Chapters: 00:00 Intro 02:06 Roll the hull and plan the repair 06:46 Making the router template 08:36 Using the router template 10:00 Double sided tape tip 13:44 Cutting the dutchman slot 14:21 Inspect the progress 18:18 Make and fit the dutchman 20:07 Marking the length with a masking tape trick 23:59 Gluing the Dutchman 35:10 Fairing the dutchman 39:35 Outro #WoodenBoatRepair #Lapstrake #WestSystemEpoxy #TraditionalBoatbuilding #EpoxyRepair #BoatRestoration #NomadBoatbuilding #AcornDinghy #WoodworkingTips #SplineRepair #DutchmanFix #BoatRepairSeries #CedarBoat #HeatGunEpoxy #LapstrakeRepair #CowichanBay #EpoxyHowTo #MaritimeRestoration #WoodenDinghy #DIYBoatRepair

My website: https://www.nomadboatbuilding.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nomadboatbuilding/ It's not about the money but living isn't free... Here are some ways you can support this channel. Buy some merch: https://www.nomadboatbuilding.com/shop/ Support these videos with monthly or annual pledges at Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/nomadboatbuilding Or make a one time donation: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/nomadboatbuilding

My website: https://www.nomadboatbuilding.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nomadboatbuilding/ It's not about the money but living isn't free... Here are some ways you can support this channel. Buy some merch: https://www.nomadboatbuilding.com/shop/ Support these videos with monthly or annual pledges at Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/nomadboatbuilding Or make a one time donation: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/nomadboatbuilding

0My website: https://www.nomadboatbuilding.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nomadboatbuilding/ It's not about the money but living isn't free... Here are some ways you can support this channe

In this second part of our keel repair series, I’m fixing a mistake I made on a small wooden boat I built about a year ago. The keel—originally glued on with West System 105/205 epoxy—started to fail under constant submersion, and now it’s time to do it right. In this video, I share the full repair process, lessons learned from the failure, and demonstrate how to use G/flex epoxy, West System 105/205, and mechanical fasteners to reinstall the keel—this time with confidence. Whether you're working with Purpleheart, sepili mahogany, or any oily hardwood, this episode is packed with real-world epoxy bonding tips and hard-earned wisdom. 📌 What you’ll learn: * Why the original epoxy bond failed * The difference between G/flex and 105/205 systems * Why oily woods like Purpleheart need special treatment * How to prepare wood surfaces for optimal epoxy adhesion * Scarf joint improvements, clamping pressure advice, and fastener strategies * Mixing epoxy by weight vs. volume—and why it matters * Pro cleaning/prep techniques (including what rags not to use!) ▶️ If you missed Part 1 where I removed the keel without damaging the hull, watch it here: https://youtu.be/YO1L_EdIe3k 🛠️ This episode is sponsored by West System Epoxies. Huge thanks to their tech team for their help and for making rock-solid adhesives that boatbuilders can count on. West System Epoxy Info – https://www.westsystem.com/ 👍 Like, subscribe, and hit the bell if you're learning from these builds. Your support keeps this channel afloat. 🔗 Relevant Links: Part 1 of This Repair – https://youtu.be/YO1L_EdIe3k Scarf Joint Tutorial – https://youtu.be/Cp8oihaWwnY My website: https://www.nomadboatbuilding.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nomadboatbuilding/ It's not about the money but living isn't free... Here are some ways you can support this channel. Buy some merch: https://www.nomadboatbuilding.com/shop/ Support these videos with monthly or annual pledges at Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/nomadboatbuilding Or make a one time donation: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/nomadboatbuilding

My website: https://www.nomadboatbuilding.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nomadboatbuilding/ It's not about the money but living isn't free... Here are some ways you can support this channel. Buy some merch: https://www.nomadboatbuilding.com/shop/ Support these videos with monthly or annual pledges at Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/nomadboatbuilding Or make a one time donation: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/nomadboatbuilding

When the Keel Fails: A Hard Lesson in Epoxy, Purpleheart, and Boatbuilding Mistakes Getting a call from a customer saying the keel is falling off the boat you built for them? That’s every boatbuilder’s nightmare. In this episode of Nomad Boatbuilding, Mark Reuten dives deep into a rare and frustrating failure on a wooden boat he built just last year. After months in the water, the keel began to separate—and things only got worse from there. Join Mark in the workshop as he investigates this epoxy bond failure, shares honest reflections on what went wrong, and begins the careful process of taking the keel off without damaging the boat. Along the way, he shares practical boat repair strategies, discusses the challenges of working with Purpleheart, and talks adhesives—from West System 105/205 to G/flex and polyurethane options. Whether you're a wooden boatbuilding professional, epoxy enthusiast, or DIY repairer, this video offers a valuable learning experience about adhesive selection, wood movement, and the importance of mechanical fasteners in keel construction. 📌 Chapters: 0:00 – The dreaded phone call 1:58 – Initial inspection of the keel 4:10 – Why the joint failed 6:23 – Removing the keel carefully 8:05 - Removing glued in plugs and screws 12:52 - Using the brace and bit for removing screws 14:08 – Using heat and hand tools 21:00 – Reflections on epoxy and wood compatibility 26:16 – What I’ll do differently next time 👉 Like this video? Support the channel by hitting 👍, subscribing, turning on notifications 🔔, or joining me on Patreon. 🔗 https://www.patreon.com/nomadboatbuilding  💵 Or make a one time donation: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/nomadboatbuilding 🛠 Related Topics Covered: Keelson removal techniques Working with Purpleheart in boatbuilding Epoxy vs polyurethane bonding Scarf joint failure causes Fiberglass and keel joint considerations Lessons learned from 30+ years of boatbuilding #WoodenBoatbuilding #BoatRepair #EpoxyFailure #WestSystem #KeelRepair #NomadBoatbuilding #DIYBoatFix #GflexEpoxy #WoodworkingMistakes #PurpleheartWood My website: https://www.nomadboatbuilding.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nomadboatbuilding/

My website: https://www.nomadboatbuilding.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nomadboatbuilding/ It's not about the money but living isn't free... Here are some ways you can support this channel. Buy some merch: https://www.nomadboatbuilding.com/shop/ Support these videos with monthly or annual pledges at Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/nomadboatbuilding Or make a one time donation: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/nomadboatbuilding

My website: https://www.nomadboatbuilding.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nomadboatbuilding/ It's not about the money but living isn't free... Here are some ways you can support this channel. Buy some merch: https://www.nomadboatbuilding.com/shop/ Support these videos with monthly or annual pledges at Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/nomadboatbuilding Or make a one time donation: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/nomadboatbuilding

My website: https://www.nomadboatbuilding.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nomadboatbuilding/ It's not about the money but living isn't free... Here are some ways you can support this channel. Buy some merch: https://www.nomadboatbuilding.com/shop/ Support these videos with monthly or annual pledges at Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/nomadboatbuilding Or make a one time donation: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/nomadboatbuilding

Purchase Steve's lap clamps here: https://lapclamps.etsy.com/ My website: https://www.nomadboatbuilding.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nomadboatbuilding/ It's not about the money but living isn't free... Here are some ways you can support this channel. Buy some merch: https://www.nomadboatbuilding.com/shop/ Support these videos with monthly or annual pledges at Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/nomadboatbuilding Or make a one time donation: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/nomadboatbuilding #westsystemepoxy #totalboatepoxy

Fitting lapstrake (clinker) planks can be one of the trickiest parts of traditional boatbuilding—but when done right, it results in a beautiful, strong hull. In this episode of Building Gannet, I walk you through essential tips and techniques to get your lapstrake planks to lay down in their natural position using glued epoxy construction. From clamping strategies using buttons, cam clamps, and clinker pins, to diagnosing fit issues like flaring and gaps, you'll learn how to adjust your gains, bevels, and patterns for a tight, fair fit. I also share how to handle back beveling at the bow, deal with flare, and use thickened epoxy for a forgiving but strong bond. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced wooden boatbuilder, this series provides in-depth guidance with practical shop tips for fitting and hanging planks with confidence. 👉 Chapters: 00:00 Intro 00:41 Using Clamps & Buttons 02:00 Diagnosing Gaps & Misalignment 06:19 Adjusting Gains & Bevels 11:29 Back Beveling for Bow Flare 14:54 Final Fit at the bow 17:52 Transom Gain 22:10 Getting the fit just right 24:51 Creating a hard registration point 25:52 Wrapping Up 📌 Want to see how we cut gains or pattern planks? Check out previous episodes in the Building Gannet series! 🧰 Support this channel: 👍 Like, 💬 Comment, 🔔 Subscribe 💙 Become a Patron 💸 Use Super Thanks to support future builds Thanks for watching and stay tuned for the next episode, where we’ll glue and fasten this plank into place! #Boatbuilding #Lapstrake #ClinkerPlanking #Woodworking #DIYBoat #EpoxyBoatbuilding #NomadBoatbuilding #GluedLapstrake #BackBeveling #WoodenBoat My website: https://www.nomadboatbuilding.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nomadboatbuilding/ It's not about the money but living isn't free... Here are some ways you can support this channel. Buy some merch: https://www.nomadboatbuilding.com/shop/ Support these videos with monthly or annual pledges at Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/nomadboatbuilding Or make a one time donation: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/nomadboatbuilding

Welcome back to Nomad Boatbuilding! In this episode of Building Gannet, we dive into the art of spiling—a crucial (and often misunderstood) technique in wooden boat building. Whether you're a beginner or looking to refine your skills, this step-by-step walkthrough will show you how to pattern for planks when building a glued lapstrake plywood sailing dinghy. You’ll learn: What spiling really means in traditional boatbuilding Why typical spiling methods don’t work well for lapstrake planking How to accurately record plank shapes and attitudes Pro tips for fair lines, fitting techniques, and avoiding distortion Tools and tricks (like hot glue and battens) that make life easier This hands-on demonstration uses Gannet, our current dinghy project, to teach practical techniques for patterning, fitting, and cutting planks—without relying on elusive plank patterns in boat plans. 💬 Got questions about spiling or wooden boatbuilding in general? Drop them in the comments! 👍 Like the video if it helped you, and consider supporting the channel via Super Thanks or Patreon (link below). 🔔 Subscribe and turn on notifications so you never miss a build! My website: https://www.nomadboatbuilding.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nomadboatbuilding/ It's not about the money but living isn't free... Here are some ways you can support this channel. Buy some merch: https://www.nomadboatbuilding.com/shop/ Support these videos with monthly or annual pledges at Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/nomadboatbuilding Or make a one time donation: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/nomadboatbuilding 00:00 Intro 01:07 What is spiling? 01:58 Marking plank widths 06:15 Connect the dots 10:20 Moving the pattern 12:33 Staggering scarfs 15:05 Fairing in the lines 19:28 Cutting out the planks 20:28 Smoothing the plank edges 22:31 Outro

My website: https://www.nomadboatbuilding.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nomadboatbuilding/ Get WEST SYSTEM products here: https://www.westsystem.com/ It's not about the money but living isn't free... Here are some ways you can support this channel. Buy some merch: https://www.nomadboatbuilding.com/shop/ Support these videos with monthly or annual pledges at Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/nomadboatbuilding Or make a one time donation: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/nomadboatbuilding

Say Goodbye to Ugly Oarlock Pads – A Simple & Elegant Upgrade | Nomad Boat Building Hi folks, it's Mark from Nomad Boat Building! In this video, I'm tackling one of my biggest boatbuilding pet peeves: chunky, ugly oarlock pads. You've poured your heart into building a beautiful boat—don't ruin it by slapping on a random block of wood. Instead, I’ll show you how to build clean, elegant, and well-fitted oarlock pads that actually complement your boat's craftsmanship. You'll learn: 🔨 How to measure, shape, and install custom oarlock pads 📏 Tips for proper placement and spacing relative to thwarts 🪵 Techniques for shaping curves, scalloping, and mounting cleanly ⚓ Why epoxy selection matters (shoutout to West System G/Flex 650!) 🧰 Pro tricks for avoiding epoxy messes and achieving a snug, solid fit Whether you're building a skiff, a dinghy, or just upgrading a tired old rowing setup, these tips will elevate your work. 🔗 SUPPORT THIS CHANNEL If this helped you, show some love! 👍 Like 💬 Comment 🔔 Subscribe + turn on notifications 💸 Super Thanks or join me on Patreon → [https://www.patreon.com/nomadboatbuilding] Or make a one time donation: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/nomadboatbuilding 💬 Have questions about fitting oarlocks or other boat details? Drop them below and I’ll get back to you. 🔗 Related Videos & Resources: 🛠️ [https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLnOoJJKdbR4IM7XiUmk1SdHrrYZxQDUzd] 🪚 [https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLnOoJJKdbR4JII3fQAfSPVZ4lF_nH4MG8] Thanks again to West System Epoxy for sponsoring this build. Their reliable adhesives have supported wooden boatbuilders like me for over 50 years. https://www.westsystem.com/ Nomad Boat Building – helping you craft better boats, one detail at a time. https://www.nomadboatbuilding.com #BoatBuilding #DIYBoat #Woodworking #NomadBoatBuilding #WestSystemEpoxy #Oarlocks #Rowboat #WoodenBoat #EpoxyTips #BlackLocust #SkiffBuild #MarineWoodworking 00:00 - Intro: Ugly Oarlock Pads? Not on My Boat 00:27m - Marking the Ideal Oarlock Position 01:47 - Detailing Placement 03:19 - Cutting and Shaping the Pad 05:49 - Scalloping and Smoothing the Edges 07:02 - Positioning & Angling for Final Fit 08:36 - Fitting the Socket 14:13 - Prepping for Epoxy: Clean & Tape 16:12 - Mixing G/flex Epoxy for Bonding 19:02 - Gluing and Clamping in Place 22:19 - Drilling the Center Hole Accurately 23:03 - Wrap Up and Final Look with Finish 25:21 - West System Sponsor Shout out and outro

My website: https://www.nomadboatbuilding.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nomadboatbuilding/ It's not about the money but living isn't free... Here are some ways you can support this channel. Buy some merch: https://www.nomadboatbuilding.com/shop/ Support these videos with monthly or annual pledges at Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/nomadboatbuilding Or make a one time donation: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/nomadboatbuilding

My website: https://www.nomadboatbuilding.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nomadboatbuilding/ It's not about the money but living isn't free... Here are some ways you can support this channel. Buy some merch: https://www.nomadboatbuilding.com/shop/ Support these videos with monthly or annual pledges at Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/nomadboatbuilding Or make a one time donation: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/nomadboatbuilding

My website: https://www.nomadboatbuilding.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nomadboatbuilding/ It's not about the money but living isn't free... Here are some ways you can support this channel. Get 5% off TotalBoat products here: https://www.totalboat.com/?sca_ref=3715732.xvvNNHFDPJ Get 10% off Starbond Adhesives. Use the Coupon code NOMAD10 Shop here: https://starbond.com/discount/NOMAD10 Buy some merch: https://www.nomadboatbuilding.com/shop/ Support these videos with monthly or annual pledges at Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/nomadboatbuilding Or make a one time donation: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/nomadboatbuilding

My website: https://www.nomadboatbuilding.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nomadboatbuilding/ It's not about the money but living isn't free... Here are some ways you can support this channel. Get 5% off TotalBoat products here: https://www.totalboat.com/?sca_ref=3715732.xvvNNHFDPJ Get 10% off Starbond Adhesives. Use the Coupon code NOMAD10 Shop here: https://starbond.com/discount/NOMAD10 Buy some merch: https://www.nomadboatbuilding.com/shop/ Support these videos with monthly or annual pledges at Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/nomadboatbuilding Or make a one time donation: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/nomadboatbuilding