Stop waters

[Bill Dacey]

What, may I ask, is a STOPWATER?
I assume the name applies to its function.
My boat plans show them located amidst the gripe,knee, and stem. It is assumed I know what they are. but they are wrong. I have not the slightest idea as to what they might be.
Please advise.
Bill Dacey

[Thad]

Where there are joints in a backbone there are channels between the parts for water to run from the outside into the boat. Holes are drilled through the joints outboard of the rabbet apex so the softwood plug (stopwater, usually pine) run through the hole will stop water from running through and have it's end caulked with the rabbet so there is a continuous line of protection from leaks.