: Thanks for the advice. I think my only concern was getting the
: right radius toward the edge of the ribs. I would like to keep
: the bottom somewhat flat. I just don't know if you have your
: keel strip installed if the act of installing a steamed rib will
: get you the right shape. It seems to me you would need to bend
: the right radius on both sides of the rib and then insert it
: into the mortise. Is that correct or will simply bending a
: semi-circle and forcing the rib under the keel get you the right
: fit assuming the rib is the correct length?

: Thanks again for all the advice.

: Stefan

The boat in my picture was an odd ball design to test several theories; the ribs were all identical half-ribs not the usual full-width and were installed at right-angles to the strips to eliminate the need for beveling, instead of right-angles to the centerline. OK, so I like trying out new ideas . . .

For your boat, I'm sure you're correct about bending the radius on both sides of the keel and fitting into the mortices. Simply bending it into a semi-circle and forcing down the center is likely to create a dip in the center. However, Morris suggests bending one side first and fitting the mortice before doing the other side. Since he's actually done it I would try that first. If you read the whole book you will find one or two other sections on ribs. I suggest you cut one or two spares for the first rib so you can practice developing your preferred method without wasting or having to recut the rib.