I finished making the vaka planks today.  I restacked all planks and pre drilled all the stitch holes. 

I used a 3/32 inch drill bit for the stitch holes.  This is just big enough so I can use the small, nylon cable ties.  The ties are tight in the hole but do go through.  Some might prefer to use copper wire.  Either is OK.

I made a story stick so that all holes would be equaly space although that is not essential.  The stick was made with 1x2 stock that was cut to a length of 12 inches.  I used a drill press to drill two holes 1/4 inch from the side and each hole 1 inch from the end.  This places the stitch holes every 10 inches.  Some might prefer closer and some farther apart.  What every seems right to you is OK.

The bottom planks get pre drilled along the bottom and top edge.  The bilge planks get pre drilled along the top edge only.  The bottom edge of the bilge planks will be drilled when the planks are placed in the form.

The side planks don't get pre drilled at all.

Always drill the planks in pairs.  When drilling these holes it is essential that the two planks be stacked perfectly one on top of the other.  By drilling the story stick with a drill press I assure a vertical hole through both planks. 

I'm ready to setup the forms and start building the hull.

        

 

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