To bend the sides to make them meet the stem- and stern-posts of a flat-bottomed punt, 17 ft. long, and supposing the sides to be 18 in. deep, boards of that width will suffice, as the desired sheer and rocker will be gained by the bending, more or less as the sides of the centre mould are more or less inclined. Having shaped the two sides alike, mark accurately the centre of each and draw a line through these and square with the edge. To this line screw the mould, keeping the edges of the boards quite level. Get four pieces of wood 2 ft. long and about 2 in. by 2in.; use two of these at each end, placing them outside the boards vertically; lash the projecting ends of these battens together across the punt. By tightening at top or bottom, the desired shape can be gained. A small tackle is handier than lashing, but in either case it is well to keep a loop of stout rope round the ends during the process (if at either end the boards are to be drawn up close), to prevent personal accident, should the battens slip off or tackle or lashing break, etc.