Stem Question

[ChrisP]

I am just curious as to why the plans for my skiff require 3/8" plywod "cheek" peices to run bothsides of the part of my inner stem that connects to the keelson. My stem is two separate parts of honduran mahoganey joined by a white oak knee in the middle. The thickness is 2 1/4". I have already installed them but I am just wondering what practicle purpose they serve and if this "cheeking" of stems is common practice in boatbuilding.

[dasboat]

I have a question from reading chris' post.
Is a cheek piece the same kind of thing as a gusset?
Thanks,Das

[Bruce Hooke]

Are the cheeks in such a position that they might be designed to reinforce a place where the stem connects to some other part (like the keelson)? This is what I think dasboat means by a gusset and it is a fairly common practice in standard plywood boatbuilding, however I would say it is less common where you are also using knees to join parts since knees and gussets usually serve about the same purpose.

[SailBoatDude]

Cheeks indeed do help provide support and nailing surface. I've seen them a lot in file planked bottoms to support the plank ends and give support. Not sure what the designer's intent is in your skiff, but I'd think the knee is for stem support & the cheeks for the planking. I'll bet once the planking (sheet skinning?) goes on it'll be much clearer.

[Alan Peck]

Chris, if memory serves me right you are building the "Little Moby" I am building the same boat. I think the cheek pieces on the gripe (the inner stem) are to reinforce the gripe because a significant part of the gripe is removed where the apron is let into the gripe. In additon, I suspect the gripe receives a lot of stress as this is the part of the boat that probably hits the waves when the boat is moving.

At least thats my guess. Good luck on your project.