Page 84 - Nicolaes Witsen & Shipbuilding in the Dutch Golden Age

Chapter Two
(67 II 22) About the Kimmen [planking of the bilges].
10. About the depth and width of the planking of the bilges.
1. The depth is one third of the total depth at the place of the main frame. Example depth 10 feet, comes to 3 feet 31⁄3 inches.
2. About the width of the turn of the bilge, for 10 feet of the ship’ s length mak e the bilges 1 inch nar- rower than the total width, such that the futtocks hang out 10 inches over the top of the bilge planking.
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(61 I 1) The bilge strake is a plank made at the outer edge of the bottom, three or four bilge strakes are usu- ally applied to the ship upon one another; depending on the depth of the ship.
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(266 I 29) The Bilge Strakes are planks, w hich stand between the bottom and the rising sides of the ship, are roundish and stand transversel y in relation to the waters surface, and such, because w hen the ship heels
Figure 2.54. The lower planking. Cleats hold the planks together temporarily, and the whole structure is supported by shores. (Courtesy G. A. de Weerdt)
over considerably, or touches ground , it will sit at and will be less harmed: the roundness is also useful because a chined bilge is more liable to leak and is more vulnerable, when it hits the ground. The bottom ceiling, which comes against it, is much heavier, as the ship carries more load here, and better be prepared for bumping.
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