Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Seasoning is the process of drying timber to reduce its moisture content, which improves its strength, dimensional stability, and resistance to decay before construction.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
For traditional wooden boat building, the moisture content of the seasoned timber should be reduced to a stable level of \(10-18\%\).
If the moisture content is too high (above \(18\%\)), the timber can shrink and warp as it dries in the air, creating gaps in the hull planking.
If it is dried too much (below \(10\%\)), the wood can swell excessively and distort when submerged, causing structural stress.
Step 3: Final Answer:
The recommended moisture content range for boat-building timber is \(10-18\%\).