GUNNING-PUNT CONSTRUCTION 267 
ing the side strakes when being bent to the punt. The sides 
of the large punt, although measuring only 7 in. in width when 
finished, must be at least 10 in. wide at first to enable the 
builder to sweep and bend them. After bending and 
fixing them, the superfluous edges can easily be cut off. The 
sides of the largest punts need be no thicker when finished 
than in. They should extend from stem to stern in complete 
lengths, i.e. without a joint. Steaming or soaking the side 
planks with water before bending is an advantage. The knees 
(cut to the grain of the wood from selected elm) are placed in 
large punts 16 in. apart, and their length is determined by 
their position in the boat. They should be cut and finished 
Plan showing Decks fitted in Four Parts. 
together in pairs, and fixed directly opposite each other. The 
floor timbers must be the same width as the knees. The floor 
timbers are fixed in position between the knees. All knees 
fixing the sides to the bottom assembled, the deck rafters 
(oak) and side deck knees are next to be fitted. Thus far the 
boat is ready to receive the decks. These should be screwed 
on in four parts, comprising the side deck pieces, and one 
fore and aft respectively. Half-inch pine simply butt- 
jointed, is sufficient for the decks, but let much extend 
over the sides so that a thin gunwaling strip may be run 
underneath to form a beading, and make the outer deck 
edge watertight. See sectional diagram. The cockpit 
coaming strengthening strips of half-round wood are next bent 
and fixed. These support the cockpit coaming with sufficient 
