The vast majority of my plans customers seem to be first-timers, and the building process - particularly visualisation - can be quite intimidating. Without any shadow of a doubt there are three primary aids in making a good start: -
- reading the correct text books (be extremely cautious about internet forums);
- spend plenty of time studying the plans;
- build a scale model.
The first two are self-explanatory, and I provide a recommended reading list with my plans, and try to make the plans detailed, supported by a comprehensive set of instructions.
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| Phoenix III plans - 30 sheets of A3 drawings and 50 pages of illustrated instructions. |
Making a scale model is relatively simple if you follow the plans of the full-szed boat. The model doesnt have to be a masterpiece, but should follow exactly the sequence of constrution as specified in the plans.
Sometimes I build an exact replica using scale thickness plywood and scale thickness lumber of the same density as the full-sized boat. This allows me to test trim, stability, flotation and other elements of the design. At other times, I model only a section of the boat to examine things such as panel developments and curvature.
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| Hull panels for my Three Brothers design cut from 1.5mm Hoop Pine marine plywood to produce a 1/8th scale model. |
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| Scale stitch-and-glue process |
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| Hull panel developments being tested. |
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| Anticipated shape confirmed as being developable |
Sometimes people find it difficult to locate scale thickness plywood, but using balsa or other timber can still produce a worthwhile model for shape visualisation, and to help one understand the construction process.
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| Dan Taylors model of Phoenix III |
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| Another photo of Dan Taylors Phoenix III |
My good friend Doug Laver is building a model of
First Mate just for the fun of it. He intends sailing the boat using radio control, and has replaced the centreboard with a ballasted fin keel to make up for the lack of crew weight out on the gunwale.
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| Dougs First Mate parts cut at 1/5th scale using plywood |
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| Lots of little clamps in use |
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| Ballast keel inserted in centreboard case from below |
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| First Mate waiting for her lead ballast and her rig |
Modelling may appear to be a time-consuming business, but in the long run it usually saves time - and it is fun!
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