Laminate the Masik

Slam your knees into it enough times and it could prove troublesome.  The masik in one of my boats broke.  This was somewhat remedied with a wrap of leather and some copper nails.  A far better solution is to craft a more suitable masik in the first place. 

Laminated Masik
A lengthy search resulted in many many approaches to executing this task.  By far the one I like the most is that of Indiana Adventure Dad (This link details his method).  His laminating press worked perfectly.

Step 1: Rip a dozen 3" x 1/8" x 3'. On a table saw these may come out a bit wonky.  Fear not my wonky bits still produced a fine masik and curved deck beam.  Perfectionist I am not!

Step 2: Fasten together two 2" x 12" x 3' boards.

Step 3:  Draw the masik on the boards.

Step 4: Jigsaw the masik opening into the press assembly.

Step 5: Apply masking tape to the press faces. 

Step 6: Load it with a oak and glue sandwich and then use either pipe clamps, ratchet straps or windlasses to form the masik.

Step 7: Allow to dry for a day.

Step 8: Plane, sand and otherwise disguise the wonkyness out of the masik and beam.