Ribbands

The longitudinal pieces of fir, about five inches square, nailed to the timbers of the square body (those of the same description in the cant body being shaped by a mould and called harpins) to keep the body of the ship together, and in its proper shape, until the plank is brought on. The shores are placed beneath them. They are removed entirely when the planking comes on. The difference between the cant ribbands and square or horizontal ribbands is, that the latter are only ideal, and used in laying-off.