turn-buckles. The shoe-blocks FF are 24 inches long and 3 inches square on the end, and are bolted to the timbers A and B as shown. At the stern a triangular block is mounted between the ends of the timbers BB, through which the rudder-post will pass. The decking-planks marked G are then attached to the frame with screws or steel nails.
The mast-step is made by attaching two 12-inch pieces of plank, 18 inches long and 1¼ thick, to the inner sides of timbers DD. Across the top of them attach another plank, and in the middle of it cut a hole 3½ inches in diameter, or large enough to receive the mast. In the bowsprit, directly under the large hole, make a small one to receive a ¾-inch pin. The iron pin is to be driven in the bottom of the mast so that 6 inches of it projects beyond the bottom of the stick. These will form the mast-step, and when the mast is in place and held by the forestay and shrouds it cannot jump out.
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/3/38/St_Nicholas-32-1-361.jpg/450px-St_Nicholas-32-1-361.jpg)