1

Installation of the thwarts
2003
Winterton Boat Building and Community Museum, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada

2

The thwarts (seats) of the boat were then installed, replacing the temporary cross boards. This procedure did not have to be fully completed at this point. Some boatbuilders preferred to wait until the boat was planked, while others installed some or all of the thwarts before planking in order to strengthen the structure.

3

Fitting the thwarts
2003
Winterton Boat Building and Community Museum, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada

4

To fit the thwarts snugly into place, notches were cut into the ends so they would fit around the timbers.

5

Fitting the thwarts
2003
Winterton Boat Building and Community Museum, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada

6

A grove was then cut across the thwart so it would receive the top edge of the rising.

7

Thwarts being attached
2003
Winterton Boat Building and Community Museum, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada

8

The thwarts were then fitted and nailed onto the risings.

9

Installing the counter thwart
2003
Winterton Boat Building and Community Museum, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada

10

There were generally two thwarts located roughly at the center of the boat, about four or five feet apart in a small motorboat, to define the mid-ship room. Two were installed in front of the mid-ship area and two or three behind, depending on the engine installation. A thwart was also attached onto the counter of most boats.

Thwarts were made four to six inches wide and one and one half to two inches thick. Bulkheads (vertical boards from thwart to floor) would be installed later under the center thwarts to make the mid-ship room for holding fish, and possibly under other thwarts depending on personal preference and the type of boat.

11

The breasthook
2003
Winterton Boat Building and Community Museum, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada

12

A breasthook, a piece of v-shaped wood that gives support and strength to the bow of the boat, was then cut from a suitable knee.

13

The breasthook is attached
2003
Winterton Boat Building and Community Museum, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada

14

The breasthook nailed in place at the bow of the boat.