Building Half Models

This is a five-day course ending Friday

There are few products of woodworking as exciting to behold as a well-done half model. It reveals the character of the boat it represents at a scale that can be admired at a glance and appreciated for a lifetime. Half models are a wonderful way to remember a boat of the past or dream about one of the future.

Half-hull modeling is both a practical way to enjoy woodworking with limited time and tools, and a tangible way to grasp the intricacies of boat plans. To carve for yourself and mount a half model is to forever capture a design in three dimensions.

In this week of hands-on participation, you’ll explore the tools, techniques, and materials for half-model making from lines plans; the woods; the glues; the tools; the paints and varnishes. Students will have access to the extensive model plans collection at the WoodenBoat Store. Reuben will also encourage folks to bring lines drawings of their own boat or favorite designs.

Besides creating one or two models of your own, you will learn a lot about boat plans and gain a feeling for the long tradition of half-hull modeling—and go home with the ability to build more on your own.