Don’t laugh…

[chris pearson]

Okay, let’s beat a dead horse. I was working on the old gal today and thought I’d study the planking pattern more. I’ll look at my intact, original old Gerrish when I get time to compare. Interesting, planks are symmetrical about centerline “keel line”. Different widths but mirror image. I highlighted the gore planking on each side with tape to show any differences. Seems the planks lose the “pattern just at the end of the canoe….

 

[Rollin Thurlow]

Chris, Very nice taping job!

 

[Todd F]

Is it fair to assume that planking pattern would be driven by reducing the amount of material and time need for construction? Or are there structural differences with different patterns?

 

[MGC]

There's that and also the builder's preference for the gore.
A consideration is what is available for wood. A bunch of short pieces results in a hull planked with, a bunch of short pieces. Then you need to consider joint locations.
Available long pieces (as it appears to be the case here) allow you to install these nice long hull length pieces.
That said, if you choose to, you can literally free form the installation. The ultimate goal is a completed hull....