Penobscot 14: 16. Floorboard

This is my aft floorboard.
It is made from 2 pieces of 3/4" thick mahogany joined together with a piece of white oak on the underside. The finish is a mixture of boiled linseed oil, varnish and turpentine. I gave it 3 or 4 coats.

Underside of floorboard. Note the leather pads to protect the interior finish of the boat. The 2 individual pieces of mahogany are glued and screwed to the white oak center spine. Also note the contoured areas along the outer edges of the floorboard. These pieces were glued in place and once the glue cured they were contoured to match the curvature of the hull along the stringers. At the thickest area these pieces are around 1/4" and then taper into the floorboard pieces creating a bevel at the fore and aft area of the floorboard. All this, is to just have the outer edge of the floorboard make contact with the curved hull. The white oak piece sits on top of the keelson. It has a curve cut into it as well to match the keelsome.

Aft section, underside. You can see the beveled edge that matches the curvature of the hull.

Forward section, underside.

Floorboard installed.
I decided to try this single section of floorboard just in the area behind the centerboard trunk. Since this is the area of the boat that I occupy the majority of the time and rarely sail with any one else aboard, this single section works great. I have used it for one season now and really enjoy the flatter area under foot.

Note the cut out area for removal of the hatch cover. I keep the registrations papers for the boat in the compartment under the aft seat. They are in a watertight pouch with a lanyard attached to the back of the hatch cover.

This is a working drawing that shows 3 cross sections for the aft floorboard area. I used these to make cardboard pieces to check the true contours and ultimately help shape the floorboard.