Lofting
Making sense of all those lines and numbers.
- GREG RÖSSEL — JUNE 23–29, AUGUST 25–31
Tuition: $750
Materials: $52.50
Without question, lofting is an essential skill for the boatbuilder. Once you’ve mastered it, you can at least start to build any boat for which there are plans. Moreover, you’re going to be able to interpret plans and better comprehend the shape of the vessel, and what the building process will be. Also without question, learning lofting can be intimidating and/or frustrating. Lofting is complex, and there are numerous ways to go about it. Lofting takes time and concentration, and a good teacher really helps (see WoodenBoat Nos. 110 and 111).
Greg thoroughly understands and enjoys lofting; and he has taught it repeatedly and in a variety of settings. He has a clear idea of how to present it, and how to help you master it. In this week you’ll discuss the written material that Greg has developed, build half models, and—in teams—loft several small craft. We have a couple of boats in mind, but it is also possible that some students in the course can bring in their own plans (call us).
Tables of offsets, diagonals, buttock lines—all will be demystified and will become for you the wonderful tools they are for understanding, discussing, and building boats. By the end of the week, you should be able to visualize, lay down, and talk boat plans with the best of them. This course is meant to dovetail with the two-week Fundamentals of Boatbuilding courses, three of which Greg will also teach, and in which one of the lofted boats will probably be started. If there is time, you’ll also take lines off a classic round-bottomed boat and draw up a set of lines.
Greg Rossel is probably one of the best teachers I’ve ever encountered over many years of education. Bravo for an excellent course on lofting. 