Copper wire for D5

[csmall]

Should I use copper wire for my D5 in order to fasten the bottom to sides? If so --what size wire. Also, no chine log?

[Charlie]

Chine log? Chine logs are only needed to give the builder something to drive screws into. Since we don't use screws we don't bother with chine logs.
We use fiberglass tape and epoxy resin. It is much stronger because the glued surface provides a continuous watertight grip on the wood.

If you use wire use 18 gage copper.
Not 16 gage.
Not 20 gage.
And iron stove pipe wire doen't work as well either.
I know because I tried them all.
You use the copper wire to connect everything with everything else. Only the seat tops are not wired. Once you have it all wired you have enough slack in the assembly to shift things a bit to make certain it is all straight and square.Once everything is straight and square it's tredy for the glue-up.

[robbiro]

Another option is to use zip ties instead of wire. I know that using wire is the authentic way to do stitch and glue, but the ties do a pretty good job also.

Keep on Buildin'

Robbie

[jacquesmm]

Use plastic zip ties, it's far superior to copper wire.
I know that the 1st stitch and glue boats (jack Holt's dinghy Mirror) used copper wire in the 60's but 50 years later, we have progressed to easier and better materials.
See our tutorial "Stitch and Glue 101", it answer all your questions:
http://www.bateau2.com/howto/sg101.php

and see the other tutorials here:
http://www.bateau2.com/howto-index.php

BTW, we do not stitch the frames to the hull planking. That would conflict with the fairness of the panels.