Robbin, My 23 came without wood slats on the interior hull. I used clear grain fir and they were about 2 inches plus in width. I started with the shear at the deck and worked down. I got the first couple of screws in then bent upwards as I worked back. Didn't have to heat anything, but did have to use a short line on the end to bend them up tight. Here is a picture of what I mean. The green pads are closed cell foam sleeping pads that I cut up and used for some insulation. Good luck with the project! Jeff ________________________________ From: Robbin Roddewig <robbin.roddewig@verizon.net> To: montgomery_boats@mailman.xmission.com Sent: Saturday, March 16, 2013 9:27 AM Subject: M_Boats: wood working question Hi all, last fall I took apart the port wood interior of my M-23 and now have replacement wood from a local sawmill here in VA. They ripped a bunch of ash slats that will replace the rotted and warped slats that I took out (after the hull to deck leak was traced to its source). The question I have is how or if I can easily shape some of the slats. Some of the 9' slats being replaced are pretty straight while other look like a shallow U. I am sure this is due to the curvature of the hull as one proceeds from the floor to the deck. For the curved slats is there a way to shape them a bit before trying to install them (without building a steam chest that is 9' long!)? I may be able to bend them as they go in but then again, I may not. Appreciate any help! Thanks Robbin
