So, the faying surface of the keel was not square to the keel sides. The stem however was cut into the keel set parallel to the keel sides. The result is a wonky frame in need of a change of plans.
I could either cut a new stem with an offset finger that would connect into the finger joint and keep the bow plumb or I could cut the bottom of the stem off and attach the stem to the keel on the same faying surface as the frames (and inline with the frames).
If I cut the bottom of the stem off, it would be best to set the bow at a slight angle that way the force is better transferred through the knee and with less strain on the stem. This option allows me to keep my current stem and not need to remake the stem.
I am able to do this because the stem was cut much longer than necessary, allowing me to cut off the bottom portion and set the stem at an angle on the keel. Since the stem is being pushed back, I will need to reshape the knee to fit in front of the first floor.
The advantage of building a dinghy is you can change your mind about things as you go, as long as you cut your timbers longer than you need. It is very easy to cut off excess, but not as easy to make members longer.
Since I will not have a finger joint anymore to support the stem, I need to wait for the bronze fasteners to arrive that I will use to connect the stem and stern post to the keel. These large 4 inch lag bolts will tie the wooden structures together and resist corrosion over the hard life of the dinghy.
