The frames that had crumbled or fallen apart were replaced first . That way the semi intact ones could be used as guides to fair in the shape of the new frames as they were being replaced .

the new frames were made of white oak . White oak has been used in boats for centuries and has excellent decay resistance . The frame components are bonded to each other with 3M 5200 and bolted with stainless steel carriage bolts .

          1)          2)                3)

 With all of the frames replaced a batten is used to check the fairness  of the frames ( 1 )  . Any high spots on the frame are smoothed off with a plane allowing the batten to lay continuously across all of the frames without bumps or hollows .   With the frame work fair the stem is replaced next (2) . The joint where the planking lays into the keel is called the rabbet . This is a constantly changing angle along the length   of the boat . Notches are made at each frame with a sharp chisel (3) , then they are connected into a full length  notch that will receive the planking .