A narrow
molding along the edge of the boat served to cover the tack heads and
added a certain finish to the canoe. A keel plate 2 inches wide and 1 inch
thick was attached to the outside of the boat, and then, after wetting the
canvas, it was given a coat of white lead and oil. When this was perfectly
dry it was sandpapered and the second coat applied.
The Rudder.
[Illustration: Fig. 113. The Rudder.]
[Illustration: Fig. 114. The Rudder Hinge.]
The canoe was now complete except for the rudder, which was cut from a
1/2-inch board to about the shape shown in Fig. 114. Strips 1-1/2 inches
wide and 1/2 inch thick were nailed to each side of the blade, forming a
post, to the top of which a crosspiece or tiller was fastened. A cleat
nailed to the pillar at each side of the rudder post served to greatly
strengthen the joint. The rudder was hinged to the canoe by a rod, which
passed through four brass screw eyes, two threaded into the rudder and a
corresponding pair screwed into the stern. For convenience in steering we
ran our tiller rope clear around the boat, through screw eyes in the
gunwales and a pulley at the stem, so that the steersman could guide his
craft from any point in the canoe.
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