Stretcher Bearers

It is fairly obvious that the platforms for our feet are of considerable importance: even in a boat without sliding seats, the only way to connect the power of the oarsman is through the feet. That means that the foot stretchers* (boards) must be strong enough to take the pressure, as well as being at the correct angle to press comfortably. In addition, the stretchers must be adjustable, fore and aft, to accommodate rowers of different height.

We talked about the problem of working with 3 dimensions the other day: Joe helpfully suggested that the main problem was the 4th dimension.
Anyway, ignoring him... the boat tapers along its length, flares outward from keel to gunwale (bottom to top, lubbers) and the foot stretcher has a tilt (known as the rake) to allow the feet to press in a comfortable position. Of course, the supporting cleats (strips of wood) need to be parallel and aligned with the set on the other side.
All this left us with a complex challenge, which I was fully prepared to duck with a crude and botched fix requiring wedges and glue everywhere. Joe shocked me with the elegance and foresight of his solution..and more so with his persistence in getting it right, while I pretended to work on the rudder (occasionally I helped him with things like holding bits in position while he drilled holes, or, more often, dealing with surplus chocolate biscuits, provided by Kim).

We varnished the inside of the hull behind these cleats to ensure a seal before fitting them.

 You can see that there's a little bit of trimming needed, then the cleats will be fixed in place with glue and the screws already pre drilled.  

Joe's mahogany extensions to the stretcher board fit beautifully and give a touch of art deco that echoes the patterns in the bows and on the rudder yoke. 

Add straps for the feet, polish up with fine sandpaper, varnish: beautiful.

 Once we have the second of these in place, we really have done all the hard bits. Except for the oars.


*The term 'stretcher' means a support, brace or connector: so, the stretcher that carried Rhys Webb and a great deal of Welsh optimism off at the weekend has a related meaning. I bet you are glad you asked...