by Robert » Thu Sep 08, 2016 4:35 pm
I think that it is all relative to the given situation.
if one simply has warping to the bottom panels and ribs, and you can soak and press them back to shape, fine. though i think that over time, ie several soakings, this will cause damage, and or the wood will just become overly flexible.
on the other hand, if like me your situation is such that the whole structure, panels, ribs, stringers and keel are all hogged, then soaking won't be effective. for me, one of the stringers was even being pushed up off of the transom.
i also don't like the idea of shimming between the ribs and bottom because this will alter the structural relationship. the strength comes from ribs sitting firm and being fastened tight to the panels and planks. in addition, all the years of these parts being tight to each other, and then separating them doesn't seem like a good idea to me. i feel that correcting the hog in place is more structurally sound. that is filling and fairing the bottom. in addition, this will add strength to these areas. unless of course what is needed is more rebuilding of the bottom.
and if the depth of the hog is 1/4 inch or more, i would shape a piece of plywood to fit into the hollow, and then fair it to the bottom.
Robert in Carrboro NC
1964 Peshtigo Sea Coaster