Clinkerbuilding

Clinkerbuilding, also known as carvel planking, is a traditional method of constructing the hull of wooden boats and ships. In this method, planks are laid edge to edge, with the upper edge of each plank overlapping the lower edge of the plank above it. This overlap creates a watertight seal. The planks are typically fastened to the boat's structural frame, which consists of ribs or frames, using nails or screws. This overlapping technique is a distinguishing feature of clinker construction and differs from carvel planking, where planks are laid edge to edge without overlap and rely on caulking for watertightness.

The clinker method has a long history, dating back to ancient times, and was widely used in the construction of Viking ships, as well as many other types of smaller vessels like dinghies, dories, and some larger fishing boats. The overlapping planks provide inherent strength and rigidity to the hull. The stepped appearance of the planks is a characteristic visual element of clinker-built boats. While less common in modern large-scale shipbuilding, it remains a popular method for building smaller wooden boats due to its simplicity, relative ease of repair, and the aesthetic appeal of its traditional design. The technique requires careful shaping and fitting of the planks to ensure a good overlap.