How to introduce moisture to dry planking

[PeterE]

I found a nice piece of tight grained, light coloured, quarter sawn western red cedar that I want to rip into planking. It will be used to replace the rotten top row at the gunwales on my Chestnut canoe. The wood is extremely dry and it will likely split with all the nailing that happens at the gunwales. Is there a recommended way to add moisture to the planks in order to minimize the splitting from all the tacks at the edges? Could I just put them in a steam bag or is that too much moisture?

 

[Dave Wermuth]

I'd pre-drill . I also may put a wet towel on it and apply an iron. steam goes right into it.

 

[PeterE]

Thanks Dave. I'll give the towel and iron a try.

 

[Dave Osborn]

PRE-DRILL THE PLANK.