Fabricated Floors

Fife used 2 different types of floors. Larger fabricated floors that carry the main keel bolts and are bolted to the larger sawn frames. The others are 5/8" strap floors fitted to the bent frames carrying smaller keel bolts to pockets on the sides of the lead.












For the larger fabricated floors I used 3/16" silicon bronze sheet cut to the shape of the hull using metal cutting blades in a jig saw. Each blade would cut through about 4 feet before needing replacement.














To replicate the angle that stiffens the top of the floor I cut 1 1/2" strips using a circular saw and a special blade. They were bent to the shape of the cut plate and TIG welded from both sides.















(Photo) Different phases of fabrication from the plywood pattern to fitting a finished floor.













(Photo) Checking final fit before lower angle is installed - inside and....











...out.















The angle of the larger casting at the bottom of each fabricated floor matches the angle where the floor meets the keelson or the horn timber. These pieces are approximately 3" x 3" x 3/8". They are bolted to the plate with 3/8" bolts every few inches. The outermost bolts were welded in place since the nut would have required notching into the frame. Lightening holes were drilled in the same location as the originals. Holes were then drilled and filed square to fit the bronze carriage bolts that attach them to the sawn frames.














The bilge and wooden frame members were painted with red lead and Irish felt was laid between the wood and bronze floor.














Each floor is bolted in with either 8 or 10 3/8" bronze carriage bolts backed with hand made 1 1/2" x 2" x 3/16" thick rectangular washers.














All 8 Fabricated floors bolted in....ready to remove the keel. To see good photos of the finished floors see the posting titled "Boat Jewelry".