Lofting / Designing

[Aussie]

I have been drawing up kayak plans and want to know how I can get the shape of the plywood panels off 2D drawings a) without buying an expensive CAD type program, and/or, b) without actually making the thing (to scale) with stringers and frames and such??

Ultimately I'd like to build a proper stitch and glue kayak, the one currently under way is a frames and stringers version. But I reckon I can do better than that. Any help appreciated! :confused:

[Bruce Taylor]

Carlson's Hull design software will develop panels for you.

It's a free download:

http://www.carlsondesign.com/#Fun_Shareware

There's also a free program available for kayak design, but I haven't used it. Carlson's software will do the job.

[mmd]

There is a method of graphically developing hull plate shapes from a linesplan. It requires a bit of dexterity with drafting tools (set squares, splines & ducks, etc.), but is not beyond the average Joe. There is a nice description of the method in an old book I have called "The Plywood Boatbuilder - Volume 41". Let me know if you want to pursue this and I can photocopy the six or eight pages and mail 'em to you.

[ 11-15-2002, 09:07 AM: Message edited by: mmd ]

[Ian McColgin]

I can't spell his name but pronounced 'Vatsey' whose "Lofting" book is in WB store is definitive but probably more than you need.

Since I'm a poor and somewhat unreliable draftsman, I make a model - 1-1/2" to the foot is a nice scale as the 1/8" = 1". Make the model in modlers balsa or cardboard or whatever and you'll end up with the plank lines accuratly enough that when you cut the full size you only need cut a hair large for safety.

G'luck

[Frank Wentzel]

Ian

I believe it is spelled "Vaitses".

/// Frank ///

[paladin]

Check out Plyboats.com the software will loft all flat panels for you and plot them out....and damn accuretly too.
Price in U.S. is $145 and $12 shipping to OZ....