Coaming Questions

[Craig Johnson]

I didn't have any luck finding photos or dimensions of the coaming on my specific canoe so just in general about how thick is coaming. I am trying to bend 1/2" mahogany in a tight bend because the decks are only 20" and although it didn't have total failure I got some splintering on the outside of the bend that I am not satisfied with. 1/8' bends without any problem but I still had a little trouble with 3/8". Any helpful hints would be appreciated but I would at least like to get started with the correct thickness. thanks.
Craig

 

[Fitz]

Coaming Bend

Craig:

I bent a new mahogany coaming for a 1928 OTCA. If I recall correctly, the coaming was 1/4 inch thick. I used honduran mahogany, which I suspect bends easier. I boiled the piece in water, bent it on a form and used a thinner piece of mahogany to back the bend. It worked fine.

See attached picture.