E. A. Terhune

“ The side-stays fasten to ring in top of mast, the same as head-stay, and lower ends have a turn-buckle, or lanyard, to tighten up with, and are fastened to eye-bolts in runner plank. These stays hold mast in position and should always be kept tight. In setting mast see that it pitches forward slightly, as an ice-boat sails better with mast in that position. Pulleys are necessary for hoisting the sails. ”

“ Provide the forward end of keel with a square strap and run side stays to forward sides or runner plank, to prevent keel from bending.
When boring holes through the runners see that they clear the runner plank about 3-4 of an inch, and so that they swing freely. Where rudder post passes through keel have an iron plate put on top of keel, also under body of boat for post to pass through. ”

“ Along the bottom edge cut out a V-shaped groove the whole length of runner, then take runners to a blacksmith and let him make you the iron shoes for them. They should be of 1-2 or 3-4 inch square iron, with the rear end turned up and a hole drilled and counter sunk in each end, so they can be fastened to wooden shoes. The iron should be bent to take the shape of the wooden shoe, and made with the sharp corner down and slightly rocker-shaped. After irons are fastened on they must be filed down and made sharp and smooth so they will not scratch. ”

“ The keel, or backbone, is made of one piece, 4x6 inches, where the mast rests on it, and tapers to 4 inches square at the forward end, and 4x5 inches at the rear or stern. The next piece is the runner plank. This runs at right angles to the keel and is fastened to it in center with an iron strap that goes up each side and over top of keel, and has the ends bent out so bolts can be put through the runner plank. This strap should be bolted to the keel also. The runner plank should be to inches wide and 2 1-2 inches thick in center, and taper down to 2 inches at the outer ends. ”