Lyman rib replacement

[Ismaris]

Looked at an old Lyman 15' rear steer the other day. Every rib had rotted in the bilge and been dug out. New pcs were laid in and connected to the non-rotted vertical sections with mending plates (steel) about 3" long. In other words, the ribs are now 3 pc. parts. It was pathetic. The topsides had been meticulously refinished. My question, how difficcult to remove all these old ribs and their scabbed in sections and replace with new steam bent oak ribs? What equipment is necessary? I'm getting discouraged with all the so called "excellent" Lymans I've looked at only to discover major issues.

 

[Woodonglass]

Re: Lyman rib replacement

Steam Bending White Oak is not that hard. You can use a piece of PVC pipe and household steamer to steam the wood and then create a form out of plywood to bend the ribs to the proper curves. Will take some fabrication but something you can do if you have basic woodworking skills.

 

[TruckDrivingFool]

Re: Lyman rib replacement

I've never done steaming but have done a bit of reading on it so take this for what it worth,

If its one or two close in shape/span it might not be too bad. You'll have time in either making a form to bend them around from the old rib or a close template of the hull. Keeping in mind too much deviation and you're looking at making another form. If you have access this seems to be a much easier way to replace them that would probably give you a much better fit.

Another idea would be to lay a length of sting across the hull where the rib goes to give you a length to make your rib stock. Then trial and error to see if you can bend it into place around/under obstructions kind of like they did in the video linked above.

For the steamer I've seen guys get varying results out rigs like what Wood posted a picture of, most of them but they seem to take a bit of experimenting to get the flow of steam right.

 

[Ned L]

Re: Lyman rib replacement

Steam bending is really pretty simple once you have a source for steam and good white oak (not kiln dried). The hardest part is taking the boat apart so you can bend the new ribs in place.

Here is what you can do with steaming white oak.