FLOORBOARD NUMBERS?

[alisdairjohnston]

We have now had "Nordlys" , an LM 32, for about 5 months. I have been going through the woodwork, sorting out that which needs edge-sealing and varnishing.

I notice that all of the floorboards are marked "12" in ink marker on the underside.

Does anyone know to what this number relates?

[Sula]

I really don't know, but as no-one else has come forward I'll proffer the guess that the numbers indicate a set of boards for the one boat during construction.

There would presumably have been a number of boats under construction at one time in the factory. Although all those of the same model are in principle identical, in practice there will be slight variations in dimensions (and occasional changes in fittings used).  

The boards would have been made to patterns, perhaps in batches, slightly oversized, and then trimmed to fit the particular boat.  By marking them up with a number relating them to that boat, they could then be sent off to the varnish shop en masse with those from other boats, and later re-united with the correct boat for completion.  (Was your boat the 12th in any year, perhaps? - see last digits of hull serial number.)

Alternatively, it might have been a previous owner's secret lucky number, placed around the boat to ward off evil spirits that might otherwise lurk in the bilges!  
 

[alisdairjohnston]

Sula,

Good info- I will check the hull number, thanks. Just getting ready to launch- if the weather would let me polish the hull, that is!