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Setting nails and fairing the planks
2003
Winterton Boat Building and Community Museum, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada

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When all the planks were fastened and the nail heads set, the hull was faired using a small hand plane. A hollowing plane might also be used to take down any bumps or to create hollowing at certain points on the outside of the plank boards. The purpose of this was to ensure a smooth and even curvature over the entire hull.

The mark of a well built boat and of a respected builder was a hull that was smooth with no sharp bumps or hollows, showed good overall symmetry, and had corresponding planks on each side that showed the same width and shape. Next to the design itself, it was the workmanship of the planking more than any other building skills that determined the builder's reputation in the community and beyond.