Cleat System
In the 19th century, the small boat- shop would likely have had a plethora of seasoned crooks in stock for the manufacture of pieces that could take advantage of the naturally curved grain. For thwart knees and breasthooks, the near right-angle branches and Y-shaped crotches were a rugged option that, if varnished, displayed an elegant burgundy mien.
As natural crooks became harder to find, most builders converted to using straight-grained stock. Stems began to be assembled with interlocking pieces that could better utilize straight grain. Sawn dory frames were held together with either wooden cleats or metal plates, mechanically fastened. Small knees could be made with steam-bent stock, maybe backed up by a filler piece added for extra strength.