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I've just dry-fitted my outer stem. because I had to make a new outer stem, getting it to fit tightly to the 58 year old planks presented quite a challenge. however, in some places a slight gap exist - maybe an eighth inch at the most. what caulk would be the best to use? or should I fill the gap with smith's fill it? the entire hull has been sealed with smith's cpes. also, on the original outer stem, it appears that bungs were used over the screws where the shearstrake meets the outer stem and the other holes were filled with a wood filler. would that be correct? one other question if I'm allowed. how was the decorative piece of wood at the bottom of the shearstrake attached? in the pictures I took when I brought the boat home, it appears screws were used and then bungs were installed. as always, any help is much appreciated. the boat is a 1957 15 foot sea coaster deluxe (model 477). thanks...

Here is my view, ut I encourage the far more experienced folks on the site to comment as well

If you haven't fully attached the stem cap yet, when you do so, I'd suggest bedding it in 3M 4200 caulk (not the 3M 5200). 4200 It's an adhesive caulk suitable for below the waterline and can be removed if you ever need / want to remove the stem cap again. I used it on my bottom and in 6 years there was no sign of weakening or failure of the caulk. If you have already screwed it on, I think an 1/8 gap is fine and will afford a nice channel for caulking all along the joint, which you would want to do anyway.

Pictures area always helpful

Cant help much on your other questions

I second the vote for 3M 4200 at the stem gap.

Escutcheon (spelling??) pins (little itty bitty nails) are used to install the mahogany half round trim at the lower side of the shearstrake At the bow end and stern end, it gets screwed and the screw head is countersunk a wee bit and puttied before staining.

Andreas

This is for Andre from Battle Creek, MI... And again, I hope that I'm not violating the Dockside protocol by posting this... I would like to extend a invitation to visit an Antique Outboard Club meet In nearby Byron, MI on October 24th. Being a classic boat guy I'm sure that you will enjoy the company of a like minder bunch of guys as well as the spectacular collection of antique and classic race boats and motors that our host Mark has assembled. For meet particulars, see the "Upcoming Events" page at aomci.org. You can easily find me, a fellow Thompson owner, as I will be conducting the motor display awards program at the meet.

Joe B

thanks for the tips and heads up.