LOFTING
Making sense of all those lines and numbers.
- GREG RÖSSEL — JUNE 29–JULY 5, AUGUST 24–30
Without question, lofting is an essential skill for the boat-builder. 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 WB 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 roundbottomed boat and draw up a set of lines.
Tuition: $700
“Greg Rössel’s course on LOFTING was excellent. He took a complex topic and made it very understandable. He helped eliminate any doubts I had about the lofting process and I’m quite sure it will help a lot in my future boatbuilding projects.”
“Thanks to Greg Rössel, I have the confidence to take on a boat project and for that I am very grateful. He is a very gifted teacher blessed with the wonderful combination of deep subject knowledge and infinite patience.”
“You run a great, well organized, and inspiring program. Greg Rossel was the best! See you again.”