APRONS, &C.
The apron of the Nautilus racing canoe is thus fitted : A piece of macintosh of suitable size is fixed by nails to two battens (see Fig. 123). The battens are of the length of the fore end of the well, and are kept in position by two fillets, which arc nailed to the deck, near to and parallel to the coaming. The macintosh is nailed about an inch or an inch and a quarter from the edge of the batten, and a flap is left to go over the fillet as shown. The macintosh is also secured to the top edge of the batten by a nail, and half round fillet. The side battens being fitted to the exact span of the coamings, stretch the macintosh tightly across the well. The fore end of the macintosh is a loose drop piece over the coaming, and tucked under an india-rubber band across the deck.
The parts of the sides of the macintosh which come from the flap deck aft have no battens, but have an indiarubber cord in the bottom edge, and a button-hole at each corner to button on to a small stud screw at the aft end of the flap piece (a small brass drawer handle will do for a stud). When sailing the apron has to be unbuttoned on the weather side.
Across the well is a shiftable beam, which supports the apron if heavy water comes on it. The whole thing comes away immediately if a capsize takes place, or any sudden " jump up " is required. When not in use the whole apron can be rolled up into a very small space.
For canoe travelling a macintosh coat is required, -such as used in the Nautilus canoe of 1870. The coat is long, and closed like a petticoat from the bottom to the breast, where there is a neck opening with three buttons. Fixed by waterproof glue close under the arms is a macintosh flounce ; run through the bottom hem of which is an elastic cord. The hem of the flounce is placed over the hatch and hatchway coaming, and abaft the backboard, thus forming a kind of tent. The flounce should be full behind to allow stooping forward without detaching its hold on the coaming. Elastic bands round the cuffs of the coat will prevent water running up the sleeves. The object of having a long inside coat is that it will then do duty as a macintosh for shore walking.