On 6 May 1804, preparing for their expedition, Lewis wrote to Clark, “Pray send down the small perogue on Monday; I think she had better have way-strips put along her gunwals.” (Lewis was in St. Louis and Clark was upstream at Camp Dubois, both on the Mississippi.) What are “way-strips”?
*RE: 'Way-strip' on wood boats*
Morning, Steamboating colleagues and others,
Harlan, you ask a good question with no doubt others on here who would know the complete answer. I don't know much but will attempt something of an answer RE: 'way-strip' as mentioned above on "the small perogue." Boats of that kind were generally built upside down staring with the keel and side framing. These 'way-strips' as I know it were usually cedar wood but could be other woods. The strips were cut very thin in strips and then 'laid' on the frames forming the outside hull. These 'strips' were not the wider planking we often think of with a lap-strape boat hull. The idea was the thin strips gave better strength and, if damaged, could be replaced without cutting on site a larger plank. Also with boats used then
R. Dale Flick
Old Coal Haven Landing, Oho River Cincinnati