ELEMENTS OF BOAT DESIGN
Learn the principles and process—then practice on your own design.
- Graham Byrnes — July 11–17
Would you like to understand how to design your own boat or gain a better grasp of how design affects a boat’s performance? Would you like to better read and comprehend the hull line drawings that appear in any number of marine-related publications? Would you like to explore the relationship of construction methods to hull design—which works well with what? Would you like to think, eat, sleep, and discuss boats for a solid week? If so, you’ll find this challenging and fun course with talented boatbuilder and designer Graham Byrnes (see WoodenBoat No. 210) to be right up your alley.
With the obvious understanding that no one will become a professional designer in a week, this course will allow students to accomplish two things. First, you’ll dispassionately analyze and understand the science of boat design while still understanding the role of art. What makes a boat seaworthy or not; performance oriented or not; and buildable or not? Second, each student will create their own design(s). Taking pencil to paper, you will discuss your initial ideas with Graham and learn how to begin drawing on your own, using basic drafting skills and then bringing them into the computer age.
All of the various building methods will be explored, from traditional to modern. Any technique can be used for each student’s own “dream boat,” from plank-on-frame to vacuum-bagged and epoxied veneers reinforced with exotic materials. You will need to back up your project ideas with sound engineering principles, hydrostatics, and applying scantlings that will need to reflect the real intended use and life of the boat. Students will also have to show that their boats can be built in the chosen materials.
Students need not have any previous experience with boat design or mathematics; just a keen interest will do. The main focus of the course will be on understanding the concepts and principles that play a part in boat design and in developing an eye for aesthetics. In spite of modern technology, designing boats is still as much an art as it is a science. The eye and judgment of the designer are still the most important ingredients in any design. If each student leaves Brooklin with enough basic knowledge to design a good-looking boat that performs well, and a burning desire to go ahead and start another, then Graham will consider this week a success.
Tuition: $700