Democratic Sentinel, Volume 19, Number 18, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 10 May 1895 — Nickel Steel Frames. [ARTICLE]

Nickel Steel Frames.

The construction of the yacht Valkyrie 111. is at last definitely known. She is of composite build, with keel, stem, sternpost and deadwoods of teak; frames, stringers and ties of nickel steel and wood planking. 'Rhe keel was cast about March 4; the wood keel has been bolted to the lead, and the stem and sternpost set up, the frames riveted and set up and the ribbands run. In model the new boat is similar to Britannia and Valkyrie, a keel cutter, but with her leading features carried to a greater extreme. The original report that she was to be plated with nickel steel was doubted at the time, and now the wisdom of the doubt is shown. Nickel steel has greater tensile strength than plain steel, and therefore allows the use of a smaller and lighter frame. Ailsa’s frames are also of nickel steel, and it would not be at all surprising to find that the frames of the new Herreshoft cup defender are of the same material. Exact information on the latter point is not obtainable, but the cup defender’s frames are certainly very light in color for plain steel, and come much nearer nickel steel in looks. They are also of unusually small size, and this would seem to further indicate the use of nickel steel.