The shipwrights began planking Mary E below the waterline at the stern.  Many of these planks need to be steamed to allow the 1 3/4″ thick white oak planks to bend into position.  The planks are fastened with galvanized spike nails and carriage bolts.

At right, head shipwright Andros Kypragoras checks a bevel while making a new plank for Mary E.  Each plank must have a caulking bevel to accept oakum which will tighten the joint, and a plank bevel to mate tightly to the previous plank.