We don't know what species of wood this is on the Bahamas Dinghy, but it is a beautiful natural grown crook used to make the breasthook, which holds the sides to the bow stem.
For those not familiar with wooden boatbuilding, the Old School way to make this part was to find the crook of a tree, where branches come off or look for a piece down by the root flare, and to cut the part from those sections of tree. The natural grain pattern follows the curve of how the tree grew, and being from the strongest parts of the tree it also makes a very strong part of the boat.
The breast hook and the two quarter knees on the transom work with the gunwale to stiffen up the frames and planking, and this hook will be around for a long time.
Pulled out the trusty DeWalt jig saw and cut a curve into the breasthook.
Then grabbed the Black and Decker belt sander and shaped a slight crown. Also sanded the tops of the outer gunwale, sheer plank and sheer clamp flush in preparation for the rail cap. Final sanding done with a DeWalt random orbital sander.
