Hi,
[size=78%]I'm afraid that the answer to this question can not be easily formulated. Previous answer is correct, but The questions to the metal plating is more complex, including the riveting question especially. I suggest you look on the net at> rivetting <> riveting ship plates <etc.[/size]
I recommend you go net with questions on the construction of shipbuilding from the mid-19 into the first quarter of the 20th century
An interesting chapter on this subject is the book by Ch.V.Vaine> Steam coasters and short sea traders <, then the site where you can find such pages>
http://archive.org/index.php <search items> shipbuilding <,> iron steel and shipbuilding <> treatise on naval architecture> <http://archive.org/details/cu31924030901346. <. etc
greetings Tom
