Another Method, which we have not at all adopted, or in a very samll Degree, is, after a Ship's Frame is complete, to bring on her Wales and Plank by bolting them partially to the Timbersm boring all the Holes through Timber and Plank, but not driving the Treenails, which has been the common Method practised, by which Means there will be a free Passage of Air, and both Timber and Plank will be better seasoned by the Juice's exuding freer, by the Perforation being made in the Timber and Plank. What is used of Iron or Copper more than in the common Method, will be saved in Treenails, as it was usual to drive out the Treenails that fastened the without Board Plank, that when the Inside Stuff was brought on, both might be fastened together, and those Treenails, so drove out were never of any farther Use. Now no Treenails will be used till the Whole is fastened together, which must be a great Saving in that Article of near One Half.
The Eleventh Report of the Commissioners Appointed to Enquire into the State and Condition of the Woods, Forests, and Land Revenues of the Crown, and to Sell or Alienate Fee Farm and other Unimproveable Rents. Dates 6th February 1792. p 80.

Transcribed by Lars Bruzelius

Sjöhistoriska Samfundet | The Maritime History Virtual Archives | Shipbuilding | Fastenings.