Fixing newbie screw up?

[tomb]

I bought a 1964 Thomboy which had vinyl covered decks. Because the vinyl apparently holds water around the edges part of the deck wood was rotten. I wanted mahogany decks because in my opinion that is a big part of the Thompson attraction. I removed the decking and used it for templates for the new mahogany decking. You can probably guess what comes next. After the original decking was removed I did not support the gunnels crossways. Now when I dry fit the new decking it does not fit right-too narrow by 1/2 to 1 inch.

Any suggestions about how to bring the hull back into shape? I was thinking about a strap from gunnel to gunnel but I'm concerned that the tension might open seams lower in the hull. What about fitting the decking as good as possible and covering the space in the center with the King Board?

All suggestions will be appreciated.
Tomb

[LancerBoy]

oopps

I would attempt to pull the hull back into shape. I will guess that this will not cause too much stress on other parts of the boat.

If that does not work, yes a king plank on top of the plywood at the centerline can cover up the gap.

Andreas

[Torchie]

Not sure in regards to the construction on a 64 Thompson but did you have the dash as well as the deck supports out?
As Andreas has said you should be able to pull it back into shape.
These boats are like a cube. Quite solid and strong when all the sides (pieces) are in place. But remove one
and they become fairly flexible.
Good luck with it.
Torchie.

[tomb]

Andreas, Torchie

Thanks for your responses. I did have the forward bulkhead (Which the dash mounts to) out because the ends of it were rotten. My new plan (I know I should have had a plan in the first place) is to remove the new forward bulkhead and try to pull things back into shape at that point with straps and blocks then remount the bulkhead, dash and decking.
Tom