Building small wooden boats in Myanmar

12 ft & 18 ft Multi-purpose boats

Immediate Rehabilitation of Subsistence Fisheries Livelihoods

in Areas Affected by Cyclone Nargis (OSRO/MYA/805/SWE)
Funded by the Government of Sweden
Cover photograph:
Completed boat of the 12ft and 18ft designs at the boatyard in Kungyangon. FAO/D. Davy
Building small wooden boats in Myanmar
12 ft and 18 ft multi-purpose boats

by:
Daniel Davy
FAO Consultant

and

Kilian Svensson
FAO Consultant

FOOD AND AGRICULTURE ORGANIZATION OF THE UNITED NATIONS

Yangon, 2009
The designations employed and the presentation of material in this information product do not imply the
expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations
(FAO) concerning the legal or development status of any country, territory, city or area or of its authorities, or
concerning the delimitation of its frontiers or boundaries. The mention of specific companies or products of
manufacturers, whether or not these have been patented, does not imply that these have been endorsed or
recommended by FAO in preference to others of similar nature that are not mentioned.

The views expressed in this publication are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflects the views of FAO.

All rights reserved. Reproduction and dissemination of material in this information product for educational or other
non-commercial purposes are authorized without any prior written permission from the copyright holders provided
the source is fully acknowledged. Reproduction of material in this information product for resale or other
commercial purposes is prohibited without written permission of the copyright holders. Applications for such
permission should be addressed to: Chief, Electronic Publishing Policy and Support Branch Communication
Division, FAO, Viale delle Terme di Caracalla, 00153 Rome, Italy or by e-mail to: copyright@fao.org

© FAO 2009
Preparation of this document

This manual has been developed from information collected during a Food and Agriculture Organization
(FAO) project on “Immediate Rehabilitation of Subsistence Fisheries Livelihoods in Areas Affected by
Cyclone Nargis” (OSRO/MYA/805/SWE), funded by the Government of Sweden.

The manual draws on experience gained during a boatbuilding demonstration project in the village of
Kathit Kone, near Kungyangontraining, in Myanmar in 2009, where a number of boats of the 12 ft design
and nine of the 18 ft design were built. Daniel Davy, FAO Consultant Naval Architect, was responsible for
the final designs, and Kilian Svensson, FAO Consultant Master Boatbuilder, was responsible for
organizing and conducting the boatbuilding activities. The preparation of this manual was completed
under the technical supervision of Ari Gudmundsson, Fishery Industry Officer (Vessels), Fisheries and
Aquaculture Department and with the support of Emergency Operations and Rehabilitation Division,
Technical Cooperation Department, FAO, Rome, Italy.

iii
Abstract

This step-by-step manual contains information on the construction of small multi-purpose boats typical
of those found in the Ayeyarwaddy Delta in Myanmar. Its purpose is to give organizations access to
detailed information on boatbuilding, which will allow the production of small boats appropriate to the
Delta. The manual is also intended to assist organizations in their understanding of the boatbuilding
process and to provide guidelines on good practice. It should assist in the review of contracts and quality
control in boatbuilding.

The manual provides information on two boat designs: 12 ft and 18 ft boats. It also gives the scantlings
and material requirements as well as the guidelines for selecting and using timber for the boat
construction. The largest part of the manual describes how to build the boats step-by-step. Finally, the
manual contains boatbuilding guidelines for wooden boats of less than 7 m in length and operating at
speeds of less than 12 knots.

iv
CONTENTS

1. INTRODUCTION ..................................................................................................................................... 1

2. DESIGNS................................................................................................................................................. 1

3. SCANTLINGS........................................................................................................................................... 4

4. MATERIAL REQUIREMENTS ................................................................................................................... 5

5. GUIDELINES FOR SELECTING AND USING TIMBER ................................................................................ 7

6. STEP-BY-STEP CONSTRUCTION METHOD .............................................................................................. 8

6.1 EDGE NAILING OF PLANKS......................................................................................................... 34

6.2 ADDITIONAL INFORMATION...................................................................................................... 36

7. BOATBUILDING GUIDELINES ............................................................................................................... 37

v
Building small wooden boats in Myanmar

1. INTRODUCTION

This manual contains information on the construction of small multi-purpose boats typical of those
found in the Ayeyarwaddy Delta in Myanmar. Its purpose is to give organizations access to detailed
information on boatbuilding, which will allow the production of small boats appropriate to the Delta. It is
also intended to assist organizations in their understanding of the boatbuilding process and to provide
guidelines on good practice. It should assist in the review of contracts and quality control in boatbuilding.

2. DESIGNS

Information on two designs – 12 ft and 18 ft boats – is presented. The boats are simple wooden canoes
of flat-bottomed construction, typical of the small multi-purpose boats found in the Ayeyarwaddy Delta.
The 12 ft design is intended to be propelled by paddles and the 18 ft design may be propelled by
paddles, oars or long tail motor. (Note: No information is given on the installation of motors.)

There are many local variations in boat design in the Delta. These mainly concern traditional preferences
and features to suit local environmental conditions and fishing methods. When this manual is used by an
experienced boatbuilder from the Delta, it will be possible to vary the given designs slightly to achieve
the desired result.

The main details of the designs are given below.

12 ft Boat

Type of boat Bauk Tu multi-purpose boat from Delta

Propulsion Paddles

Length 12 ft 6 in (3 810 mm) measured along length of top plank

Beam 32.5in (830 mm) measured across widest point

Depth 11 in (280 mm) measured from top of keel at mid-section

18ft Boat

Type of boat Gault Chun multi-purpose boat from the Delta

Propulsion Oars and paddle

Length 18 ft (5 480 mm) measured along length of top plank

Beam 4 ft (1 225 mm) measured across widest point

Depth 19 in (480 mm) measured from top of keel at mid-section

1
Building small wooden boats in Myanmar

12 ft Bauk Tu

2
Building small wooden boats in Myanmar

18 ft Gault Chun

3
Building small wooden boats in Myanmar

3. SCANTLINGS

12-ft Bauk Tu Typical Frame Section

18-ft Gault Chun Typical Frame Section

4
Building small wooden boats in Myanmar

4. MATERIAL REQUIREMENTS

12ft Bauk Tu

Materials list
Item Length (min) Width Thickness No. of pieces
Timber (mm) (mm) (mm)

A Lower side plank 3 840 180 16 2

B Upper side plank 4 150 160 16 2

C Transom 600 250 32 1

D Keel 3 460 75 25 1

E Inner bottom plank 3 460 125 16 2

F Outer bottom plank 2 540 125 16 2

G Covering board (side) 800 180 16 4

H Stem 600 100 75 1

I Clamp 4 150 50 19 2

J Frames 350 50 38 16

K Floors 600 75 38 8

L Floorboards 1 200 100 16 10

Floorboard transverses 500 38 19 6

M Decks 600 180 16 5

Transverses 500 38 38 2
N
O Mast supports 500 75 38 2
Fastenings* Joint Length Thickness No. of pieces
(mm) (mm)
Nail Planks to frames 50 4 160
Nail Keel to frames 50 4 30
Nail Bottom plank to side plank 38 3 40
Nail Clamp to plank 38 3 30

P Nail Frame to frame 50 4 40

Nail Rail cap 38 3 40
Nail Plank to plank 38 3 250
* Note: All fastenings should be hot-dipped galvanized.

5
Building small wooden boats in Myanmar

18ft Gault Chun

Materials list
Length (min) Width Thickness No. of pieces
i i i
Timber (mm) (mm) (mm)
A Lower side plank 5 360 220 19 2
B Upper side plank 5 820 200 19 2
C Stringer 5 490 90 32 2
D Transom 900 320 40 min. 1
E Keel 4 860 100 32 1
F Inner bottom plank 4 860 150 19 2
G Outer bottom plank 3 815 150 19 2
H Covering board (side) 1 000 200 19 4
I Stem 950 125 100 1
J Inwale 5 470 62 19 2
K Rail cap 2 000 160 19 6
L Frames 600 38 62 22
M Floors 750 38 100 11
N Floorboards 800 125 19 15
N Floorboards 1 150 125 19 5
N Floorboard transverses 650 38 19 20
P Decks 650 200 19 5
Q Transverses 700 50 50 2
S Oar supports 470 120 38 2
T Mast supports 900 75 38 2
Fastenings* Joint Length Thickness No. of pieces
(mm) (mm) (mm)
R Bolt + (nut & washer to suit) Frame to frame 75 8 25
Nail Planks to frames 50 4 200
Nail Keel to frames 62 5 25
Nail Stringer to frame 62 5 50
Bottom plank to
Nail 50 4 50
side plank
Nail Inwale to frame 50 4 50
Nail Frame to frame 50 4 50
Nail Rail cap 50 4 50
Nail Plank to plank 38 3 700
* Note: All fastenings should be hot-dipped galvanised.

6
Building small wooden boats in Myanmar

5. GUIDELINES FOR SELECTING AND USING TIMBER

Wood specification *

Boat builder’s preferred Thin Gan (Hopea Odorata Roxb)

wood ** Specific gravity – 0.68 (medium)
Durability – very good
Shrinkage – small
Seasoning – easy

Alternative 1 Ka Nyin (Dipterocarpus spp.)

Specific gravity – 0.75 (medium)
Durability – moderate
Shrinkage – considerable
Seasoning – moderately easy

Alternative 2 Pyin Ma (Lagerstroemia speciosa)

Specific gravity – 0.53 (light)
Durability – good
Shrinkage – moderate
Seasoning – slowly

Length If possible, it is recommended that boards be a minimum of 20 ft (6.1 m)

long. Consideration should be given to the quantity of boats to be built in
each size when ordering timber. If a board is not suitable for the larger
boat due to damaged or split ends, it may be suitable for the smaller
boat.

Sapwood Sapwood, the outer and often lighter coloured part of the log, should
never be used in boatbuilding. It is normally easy to distinguish this part
of a board.

Seasoning Seasoning is required for all boards. Boats should not be built with
freshly sawn timber because shrinking and warping (bending) will occur.
A minimum of four weeks during dry weather and more during the wet
season are recommended for seasoning. It is recommended that the
seasoning be as long as practical.

Storage Freshly sawn boards should be selected and carefully stacked

immediately after sawing. The ends should be painted to avoid splitting.
The layers of planks should be separated by transverse battens of equal
thickness (1” x 2”), spaced no more the 90 cm (3 ft) apart. The battens
at the ends should be as close to the board ends as possible.

* All timber should be legally cut and from sustainably managed sources with appropriate government clearances. The
situation regarding timber supply is constantly changing and guidance on suitable species may be updated in the future.

**
Thin Gan is facing a high risk of extinction in the wild in the medium-term future and is a reserved species in Myanmar for
which government permission is needed before cutting. Alternatives should therefore be considered.

7
Building small wooden boats in Myanmar

6. STEP-BY-STEP CONSTRUCTION METHOD

1 12 ft & 18 ft
The floors
The shape of the boat is generated from the floor timbers and the natural curve of the lower side
planks (see step 12).

12 ft – The dimensions of the necessary floor timbers are shown in step 2 and their positions
are given in step 8. The timber required is: 38 mm x 75 mm.
18 ft – The dimensions of necessary floor timbers are shown in step 3 and their positions are
given in step 9. The timber required is: 38 mm x 100 mm.

These shapes can be drawn onto paper for use as full-size templates or drawn directly onto the
timber to be cut.

2 12 ft
Floor dimensions
Dimensions of floor timbers are as follows:

Note: The dimensions for floors at other frame positions may be determined once stem and
transom are fitted (see step 19).

8
Building small wooden boats in Myanmar

3 18 ft
Floor dimensions
Dimensions of floor timbers are as follows:

Note: The dimensions for floors at other frame positions may be determined once stem and
transom are fitted (see step 19).

9
Building small wooden boats in Myanmar

4 12 ft & 18 ft
Mark out floors
Draw the shape of the floors on
the timber.

12 ft – The timber required is:

38 mm x 75 mm.
18 ft – The timber required is:
38 mm x 100 mm.

5 12 ft & 18 ft
Cut floors
Cut the floor timbers to the
required sizes.

Shape the bottom of the floor

with the required curve.

12 ft – The bottom curve is:

zero.
18 ft – The bottom curve is:
up to 23 mm (see step 3).

6 12 ft & 18 ft
Prepare lower side
planks
Cut two planks to the same size
and shape to ensure symmetry
of the boat; this is done by
clamping the planks together
while working.

12 ft – The timber required is:

180 mm x 16 mm x 3 840 mm.
18 ft – The timber required is:
220 mm x 19 mm x 5 360 mm.

10
Building small wooden boats in Myanmar

7 12 ft & 18 ft
Mark lower side planks
The positions of the frames and
the angles of the ends of the
planks are marked on the
prepared planks. The required
dimensions are given in steps 8
and 9.

Note: The forward (stem) end

of the planks should be cut to
the correct angle, whereas the
aft end (transom) is not cut yet.
This is left long to be cut later;
the additional length should be
about 150 mm, to suit local
preferences.

8 12 ft – Lower side plank dimensions

The lower side plank is marked out to the following dimensions:

11
Building small wooden boats in Myanmar

9 18ft – Lower side plank dimensions

The lower side plank is marked out to the following dimensions:

10 12 ft
Install floor at frame 4

18 ft
Install floor at frame 5
Align the floor to the line
marked on plank. Pre-drill two
nail holes (see step D in Section
6.1) and fasten the planks to
each end of the floor.

Note: The floor is fitted aft of

the marked line (see step 11).

12 ft & 18 ft – The
fastenings required are: 2 mm x
50 mm nails for each frame.

12
Building small wooden boats in Myanmar

11 12 ft
Install floor at frame 5

18 ft
Install floor at frame 6
Repeat step 10.

Note: The floor should be fitted

in front of the marked line. In
general, the floors in the forward
part of the boat are fitted in
front of the marked line and
those in the aft part behind the
marked line.

12 12 ft & 18 ft
Set up lower side planks
Place the assembly of planks and
floors the right way up on the
build frames. See how the angle
of the floors defines the curve in
the bottom of the boat as the
ends are brought together.

Note: This curve may be adjusted

a little to suit local preference. If
significant change is required,
the lower side planks will need
shaping at the ends.

13 12 ft & 18 ft
Prepare stem

12 ft – The timber required is:

100 mm x 75 mm x 600 mm.

18 ft – The timber required is:

125 mm x 100 mm x 950 mm.

13
Building small wooden boats in Myanmar

14 12 ft & 18 ft
Shape stem
The stem has the following
dimensions:
12 ft – The dimensions are:
A = 490 mm, B = 25 mm,
C = 600 mm.
18 ft – The dimensions are:
A = 750 mm, B = 90 mm
C = 950 mm.

Note: The rebate is cut to suit

the planking thickness and
angle.

15 12 ft & 18 ft
Assemble stem & lower
side planks
The stem is offered up to the
lower side planks. A rope may
be used to draw the ends of
the planks together.

Note: The angle of the stem is

set by the angle of the cut at
the end of the lower side plank
(see note 7).

16 12 ft & 18 ft
Fit stem
A clamp should be used to
ensure a good fit and to hold
the planks in place. Pre-drill
the nail holes (see step D in
section 6.1) and fasten the
stem to one plank and then to
the other.
12 ft & 18 ft – The
fastenings required are: 2 x
50 mm nails for each plank.

Note: Take care not to split

plank ends when fastening.

14
Building small wooden boats in Myanmar

17 12 ft & 18 ft 12 ft – Transom dimensions

Mark & cut transom

12 ft – The timber required

is: 250 mm x 32 mm x
600 mm.

18 ft – The timber required

is: 320 mm x 40 mm x
900 mm.

18 ft – Transom dimensions

18 12 ft & 18 ft
Fit transom
A clamp should be used to
hold the planks in place. Pre-
drill the nail holes (see step D
in section 6.1) and fasten the
transom to one plank and
then the other.

12 ft & 18 ft – The
fastenings required are: 2 mm
x 50 mm nails for each plank.

Notes:
1) The angle of the transom is
set by the angle marked on
the lower side planks (see
steps 8 & 9).
2) Take care not to split the
plank ends.
3) The ends of the planks are
left long to be cut later.

15
Building small wooden boats in Myanmar

19 12 ft & 18 ft
Fit remaining floors
The remaining floors can now
be cut to size by taking
measurements at the boat.

The timber required is given in

step 1. See step 10, 11 and 20
for installation procedures.

Note: The floors in the

forward part of the boat are
fitted in front of the marked
line and those in the aft part,
behind the marked line.

20 12 ft & 18 ft
Bevel floor ends
The ends of the floors should
be bevelled to suit the curve
in the plank.

21 12 ft
Mark plank overlap
Carefully mark a line 19 mm
below the top edge of the
plank. This line is to give the
overlap between the lower
and upper side planks.

16
Building small wooden boats in Myanmar

22 12 ft & 18 ft
Prepare frames
Cut lengths of timber to make
the frames.

12 ft – The timber required

is: 50 mm x 38 mm x 350 mm.

18 ft – The timber required

is: 62 mm x 38 mm x 600 mm.

23 12 ft & 18 ft
Frame details
The frames have a notch cut to
suit the upper side plank. The
notch is the depth of the
thickness of the top plank and
extends to the marked line for
the plank overlap (see step 21).

24 12 ft
Fit frames
Fit the frames aligning the
notch with the line marked on
the plank. Frames are slightly
over length & will be cut later
(see step 48).
The fastenings required are: 50
mm nails. Pre-drill the nail
holes (see step D in section
6.1).

Note: A temporary keelson may

be fitted at this stage to ensure
that the structure remains rigid
& straight.

17
Building small wooden boats in Myanmar

25 12 ft & 18 ft
Frame details
Note the following frame
details:
1) The frames are not
bevelled but fitted aligned
with the planking.
2) The frames are halved
where they lap the floors.
3) The frames in the forward
part of the boat are fitted
in front of the floors and
those in the aft part behind
the floors.

26 18 ft
Fit frames
The fastenings required for the
frame to floor joint are: 1 mm x
75 mm x 8 mm bolt or 2 mm x
50 mm nails. Pre-drill the nail
holes (see step D in section
6.1).

Note: Where bolts are used, it

is recommended that nails are
used as temporary fastenings
when assembling the frames.

27 12 ft & 18 ft
Framing complete

Note: Temporary transverses

should be fitted at this stage,
to ensure structure remains
rigid & straight.

18
Building small wooden boats in Myanmar

28 18 ft
Cut bilge stringer
Offer up the timber for the
bilge stringer, and mark and
cut the correct angle at the
stem.

The timber required is: 90 mm

x 32 mm x 5 490 mm.

29 18 ft
Install bilge stringer
Starting at the stem fit the
bilge stringer.

The fastenings required are:

2 mm x 50 mm nails for each
plank. Pre-drill the nail holes
(see step D in section 6.1).

30 18 ft
Install bilge stringer
Working back from the stem
and making use of a clamp
where required, continue
fastening the stringer to the
frames.

When complete, the lower

plank and stringer should be
edge-fastened (see section
6.1).

The plank overlap should be

marked on the top edge of the
stringer (see step 21).

See step 21 for marking edge

of stringer.

19
Building small wooden boats in Myanmar

31 12 ft & 18 ft
Mark & cut out stern
cover boards
The cover boards are designed
to suit local preferences.

The timber required is the

same thickness as the hull
planking.

32 12 ft & 18 ft
Mark & cut out bow
cover boards
The cover boards are designed
to suit local preferences.

The timber required is the

same thickness as the hull
planking.

33 12 ft & 18 ft
Fit bow & stern cover
boards
Fasten the cover boards to the
stem (or transom) and edge-
fasten to the upper edge of the
lower plank (or stringer.) For
edge fastening and pre-drilling,
see section 6.1.

Note: The inside face of the

cover boards should be flush
with the lower side plank (or
stringer.)

20
Building small wooden boats in Myanmar

34 12 ft & 18 ft
Prepare upper side
planks
Cut a pair of planks to the
same size and shape to ensure
symmetry of the boat. This is
done by clamping the planks
together when working.

The lower, outer edge of these

planks is planed off by about
1/3 of the thickness (see
illustration).

12 ft – The timber required

is: 160 mm x 16 mm x
4 150 mm.

18 ft – The timber required

is: 200 mm x 19 mm x
5 820 mm.

Note: The length of the planks

is determined at the boat. Also,
the aft end of the plank is left
over long and will be cut later
(see step 47). The additional
length should be about
150 mm, to suit local
preferences.

35 12 ft & 18 ft
Fit upper side planks
The upper side planks are bent
into place; several pair of
hands will be required for this
step.

Note: These planks do not

touch the stem or transom (see
step 37).

21
Building small wooden boats in Myanmar

36 12 ft & 18 ft
Fit upper side planks
Note how the plank fits inside
the lower plank (or stringer)
into the notches in the frames.
A clamp may be required to
assist in this process.

The fastenings required are:

2 mm x 50 mm nails for each
frame. Pre-drill the nail holes
(see step D in section 6.1).

37 12 ft & 18 ft
Upper side plank ends
The upper side planks fit
inside the bow and stern cover
boards.

Note: The upper side planks

are cut in order not to touch
the stem or transom. There is
a 10 to 15 mm gap.

38 12 ft & 18 ft
Turn boat over
Turn the boat over on the
built frames.

22
Building small wooden boats in Myanmar

39 12 ft & 18 ft
Prepare bottom
Before fitting the keel, there
are several steps to complete:

1) Cut frame ends and

transom to length (level
with bottom).
2) Bevel bottom edge of
lower side planks; this
should be level with the
bottom of the floors.

40 Fit keel

12 ft – The timber required

is: 75 mm x 25 mm x
3 460 mm & the fastenings
required are: 2 mm x 50 mm
nails for each floor.
18 ft – The timber required
is: 100 mm x 32 mm x
4 860 mm & the fastenings
required are 2 mm x 62 mm
nails for each floor.

Note: The keel may be tapered

to 70 mm wide at the ends;
this will assist the planks
forming the curved bottom.

41 Bottom planks
Offer up planking and cut
approximately to length.
12 ft – The timber required
is: 2 pieces 125 mm x 16 mm x
3 460 mm & 2 pieces 125 mm
x 16 mm x 2 540 mm.
18 ft – The timber required
is: 2 pieces 150 mm x 19 mm x
4 860 mm & 2 pieces 150 mm
x 19 mm x 3 815 mm.

23
Building small wooden boats in Myanmar

42 12 ft & 18 ft
Fit bottom planks
Mark frame positions on
planks; once marked, the
bottom planks can be fitted. A
clamp will be required to keep
the plank edges tightly
together.

The fastenings required are:

2 mm x 50 mm nails for each
floor. Pre-drill the nail holes
(see step D in section 6.1).

43 12 ft & 18 ft
Edge nail planks
Once fitted, the bottom planks
can be edge fastened (see
section 6.1).

44 12 ft & 18 ft
Cut edge of bottom
planks
The outboard edge of the
bottom planks can be
trimmed and then made
smoother with a plane.

Note: The bottom planks

should extend beyond the side
planks by about 6 mm to
assist in puttying the bottom
seam.

24
Building small wooden boats in Myanmar

45 12 ft & 18 ft
Fasten edges
The bottom planks need to be
fastened to the side planks
along the edges. The holes
should be pre-drilled, and care
should be taken not to split
the planks.

46 12 ft & 18 ft
Fasten edges
At the ends of the bottom
planks, the edges need to be
fastened to the adjacent
plank. The holes should be
pre-drilled, and care should be
taken not to split the planks
(see step D in section 6.1).

47 12 ft & 18 ft
Ends of planks
The aft ends of the side planks
can be cut and shaped. The
shape is designed to suit local
preferences.

25
Building small wooden boats in Myanmar

48 Mark the frames

Turn the boat over. Cut the
frame tops in line with the
upper side plank.

Note: The frame tops will

require further trimming once
the inwales are fitted (see step
51).

The frames need to be marked

to suit the inwale that is to be
fitted.
12 ft – The timber required
is: 50 mm x 19 mm x 4 150 mm.
18 ft – The timber required
is: 62 mm x 19 mm x 5 470 mm.

49 Cut the frames

Once marked, the frame tops
can be cut to the correct
dimensions.

12 ft – Once the frame top is

removed, the inwale is placed
against the inner face of the
hull plank.

18 ft – The frame top is

notched to receive the stringer.

50 Fit the inwales

12 ft – The fastenings
required are: 2 mm x 38 mm
nails for each frame.

18 ft – The fastenings
required are: 50 mm nails for
each frame.

Pre-drill the nail holes (see step

D in section 6.1).

26
Building small wooden boats in Myanmar

51 18 ft
Cut the frame tops
It is recommended that:

1) the frame tops are cut so

that they do not touch the
under-side of the gunwale
caps, which are fitted later
(see step 55);

2) the frame tops and the

edges of the planking and
the stringer are treated
(see step 61).

52 18 ft
Mark the rail cap
The rail cap will have to be
fitted in 3 or more sections to
accommodate the curve of
the gunwale. Here, a board is
offered up so that it can be
marked with the required
curve on its underside.

The rail cap is cut from ¾”

(19 mm) timber.

53 18 ft
Cut the rail cap
The rail cap is cut to the
marked lines.

27
Building small wooden boats in Myanmar

54 18 ft
Dry fit the rail cap
Check the sections of rail cap
by offering them up to the
boat.

55 18 ft
Fit the rail cap
Mark and cut scarf joints in
the ends of the sections of
gunwale cap; fasten the rail
cap to the top of the hull
plank and the gunwale
stringer.

The rail cap is fastened to the

hull plank and stringer with
38-mm nails spaced at
125 mm to 150 mm. Pre-drill
the nail holes (see step D in
section 6.1).

56 12 ft & 18ft
Trim stringers and hull
for decks
Where the forward and aft
decks are to be fitted, the
edge of the stringers and hull
plank need to be trimmed so
that they are horizontal.

28
Building small wooden boats in Myanmar

57 12 ft & 18 ft
Fit the bow and stern
decks
Short decks or seats are fitted
at the ends of the boat. The
decks are designed to suit
local preferences.

12 ft – The timber required

is: 16 mm thick.

18 ft – The timber required

is: 19 mm thick.

58 12 ft & 18 ft
Finish details
Final shaping and finishing of
details should be completed.
These details are designed to
suit local preferences and may
include:

• the shaping of styling

pieces in bow and stern;
• the final details of the
stem and transom.

59 12 ft & 18 ft
Finished boat
The boat is now ready for
puttying and timber
treatment.

29
Building small wooden boats in Myanmar

60 12 ft & 18 ft
Putty seams
Putty is made up to a
traditional recipe using a
natural powder (see right) and
oil, either cooking or diesel.

The putty is rolled into lengths

and worked into the seams.

Note: This process will need to

be regularly repeated to keep
the boat watertight.

61 12 ft & 18 ft
Treat timber
A timber treatment is made to
a traditional recipe using
diesel and engine oil. The
mixture is applied all over the
boat inside and out.

Note:
1) This process will need to be
regularly repeated to keep the
boat in good condition.
2) This treatment is potentially
harmful to the environment
and humans.

62 12 ft & 18 ft
Finished boat
The boat is now ready for the
final details.

30
Building small wooden boats in Myanmar

63 12 ft & 18 ft
Final fastenings
A few days after the
completion of the boat, the
planks will have dried a little,
and movement and shrinkage
will have taken place. At this
point, it is necessary to put
the final fastenings in. These
are required where the top
plank overlaps the lower plank
(or stringer).

64 12 ft & 18 ft
Final fastenings
Two equally spaced fastenings
are required between each
frame.

12 ft – The fastenings
required are: 38-mm nails.
18 ft – The fastenings
required are: 50-mm nails.

Pre-drill the nail holes (see

step D in section 6.1).

65 12 ft & 18 ft
Final details
Final details are designed to
suit local preferences.

In some areas, it is necessary

to fit transverse frames in the
bow and stern; these are used
for various purposes, including
securing the boat.

31
Building small wooden boats in Myanmar

66 12 ft & 18 ft
Final details
Final details are designed to
suit local preferences.

Other details will include:

Floorboards. See Section 4 for

material requirements. These
should be easily removable
and in general not fitted in the
middle frame space of the
boat because this is used for
bailing water.

Paddles/oars. These need to

be built to suit the user’s
requirements. Oars will need
slots in the side of the boat
and support posts.

67 12 ft & 18 ft
Mast support
A mast support may be added
to suit local preferences. This
will typically consist of:

1) a transverse of 75 mm x
38 mm, fixed to a frame
between the top of the
lower side plank and the
top of the upper side
plank;
2) a block or transverse fixed
to the keel below this.

Both parts have a hole for the

mast of about 40 mm to
50 mm. The mast support
should be fitted at frame 7 on
the 12 ft design and frame 9
on the 18 ft design.

32
Building small wooden boats in Myanmar

68 12 ft & 18 ft
Launch
After launch, the boats are
likely to leak initially. This is
normal since it takes a little
time for the planking to swell
up now that it is in the water.
If the problem is serious, more
putty may need to be applied
in the seams below the water.

At this stage, before the boats

are in regular use, it is very
important to ensure that they
don’t dry out in the sun, since
this will cause shrinkage of the
timber. It is best to keep the
boats in a shaded area or in
the water until they are
handed over to the users.
Alternatively, they can be
filled with leaves or wood
shavings, which may be kept
wet.

33
Building small wooden boats in Myanmar

6.1 EDGE NAILING OF PLANKS

A Mark nail positions

When edge fastening, planks
slots need to be cut for the
nails. Mark these out carefully
to ensure that the nails are in
the correct positions.

Two nails are used between

each frame, and the slot is cut
between two lines; the first is 1
x the plank thickness from the
edge and the second is about
2.5 x the plank thickness from
the edge.

B Cut nail slots

Using a sharp V-shape chisel,
cut the nail slots in the marked
positions. The depth of the slot
at the line closer to the plank
edge should be just sufficient to
accommodate the nail head.

C Finished nail slots

The finished nail slots should be
neat and regularly spaced.

34
Building small wooden boats in Myanmar

D Pre-drill holes
To ensure that planks do not
split, pre-drill the nail holes in
the plank edge. The drill should
be one size or 1 mm smaller
than the nail.

Note: In general, it is good to

pre-drill nail holes in all
locations, but it is particularly
important to do so where the
nails are close to the edge or
end of the timber.

E Insert nails
Insert the nails into the pre-
drilled holes.

F Nailing
Use a punch to drive the nails
fully into the slots. Care should
be taken not to split the planks.

Note: In general, it is good to

countersink nail holes by at
least 3 mm in all locations.
When not edge nailing, this can
be done with a drill the same
size as the nail head.

35
Building small wooden boats in Myanmar

6.2 ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

G Protection of joints
To ensure that water does not
settle between components and
cause rot, it is desirable to
protect the enclosed surfaces.

This may be done with the

timber treatment (see step 61)
or by painting with primer. An
alternative is to use a thick and
flexible compound called
“mastic”. This can be done
cheaply by using the locally
available components shown in
the photograph.

H Protection of joints
The paint or mastic should be
applied to the surface to be
jointed before fastening.

Note: Where pre-drilling is

required, this should be done
before applying the paint or
mastic.

I Protection of joints
A completed joint.

Note: The paint or mastic should

squeeze out of the joint once
assembled.

36
Building small wooden boats in Myanmar

7. BOATBUILDING GUIDELINES

7.1 Introduction
The guidelines are applicable to boats less than 7 m in length and operating at speeds of less than
12 knots. It is possible that some boat types may be outside the scope of these guidelines or not
practically able to meet all sections. However, the intention is to provide useful information to
organizations and authorities involved in building small boats.

7.2 Timber
Timber should be well seasoned with a moisture content of 15 to 20 percent, of good quality and free
from splits, sap wood and significant knots. The timber should be selected from available species known
to have a locally proven record in boatbuilding with good resistance to rot. Keel and underwater planking
should preferably have some resistance to marine borers.

7.3 Planking
Hull planking should be from continuous lengths where possible.

The width of planks should be kept as small as practical, preferably less than eight times the plank
thickness.

Planks should have two fastenings at each frame; wide planks should have three fastenings at each
frame.

Hull planking should be of a thickness which is suitable for the size of boat and the frame spacing. And in
general planking of 15 mm or less should not be used.

Planks should be fitted tight together; the gap between planks should be less than 1 mm. The seams
between planks may be caulked with an organic material such as oakum and then filled with flexible
waterproof filler.

Joints in planks may be made by one of the following methods: on a frame; between frames using butt
blocks on the inside of the planking; or by a scarf joint spanning two frames.

37
Building small wooden boats in Myanmar

7.4 Frames
Frames should be sawn from timber where the grain follows the shape of the frame.

It is preferable for the bottom frames or floors to be bolted to the keel, and washers should be used
under the head of the bolt and the nut.

All frame components, especially the end grain, should be primed before assembly.

7.5 Keel and other components

The keel should preferably be in one length. If necessary, the keel may be joined with a scarph of length
(L) 5 x keel height (M) with end notches of depth (H) 0.2 x keel height. The scarph should be bolted
together.

The width of the stem should be the same as the keel. The landing of the planking on the stem should
preferably have a length of 12 x the diameter of planking fastenings to avoid splitting the end of planks.

Inwales and stringers should run continuously from stem to transom, and where possible, be of a single
length of timber; where joints are required, the illustration below shows the requirements. On larger
boats, it is good practice for the bilge stringer to be bolted in place.

38
Building small wooden boats in Myanmar

The transom should be constructed in the same manner as the hull. It is preferable for the transom to be
connected to the keel with a knee bolted in place.

It is preferable to use a knee at the keel to stem joint. For boats of less than 6 m in length, it is
recommended that the knee extends at least 150 mm along each joint and be bolted in place.

All components should be primed before assembly.

7.6 Deck
Deck planking should be of the same thickness as the hull sides.

7.7 Fastenings
Hot-dipped galvanized nails and bolts should be used throughout the boat; alternatively, stainless steel
grade AISI 316 fastenings may be used except for planks under the waterline. Electroplated fastenings
are not recommended.

Bolts should preferably have a hexagonal head and nut fitted with large washers. The minimum bolt size
used should be 6 mm. The bolts in the keel assembly should be at least 8 mm in diameter.

To avoid splitting timber, the minimum distances to the end and edge of timber parts should be as
follows:

Bolt diameter Minimum end distance Minimum edge distance

Up to 8 mm 60 mm 35 mm

10 mm 70 mm 40 mm

Planks should be fastened to the frames with nails of round or square section of the following
dimensions.

Planking thickness (mm) 16 19 22

Minimum nail diameter (mm) 4 4 5

Minimum nail length (mm) 50 60 60

Nails should have a head of diameter of at least 2 x the nail diameter and should be countersunk
3-5 mm, and the head covered with waterproof, flexible compound.

39