CAD program for converting lofting plan to stitch and glue

[Joe Sundstrom]

I am looking for an inexpensive or free computer-assisted design software application that will convert a traditional. lofted hull plan to a two-dimensional layout for plywood stitch and glue construction.

I have plan with a single, hard chine that was almost certainly designed for plywood construction.

It includes keel, chine and sheer dimensions at regular stations as well as the half-breadths at those stations.

I would like to be able to enter those dimensions into the program and then have it produce the two-dimensional layout for transferring to plywood sheets.

[capt jake]

Graham has a program to do that. He may do it for a nominal fee.

[JEM]

http://www.plyboats.com/

[Joe Sundstrom]

It is Gregg Carlson's free Hulls program.

It does just what i required (see first message in this thread).

Go to website: http://home.clara.net/gmatkin/softwr.htm

Select "Hulls software."

Select "Hull Design."

Download both Hull Designer software and Gavin Atkins' tutorial.

Grab your lofted plan with offsets (or create your own offsets from the drawing) and go to work.

Joe

[normoose]

I have Careen 4 and 5 on a CD or DVD somewhere. I wi;l look for it and notify the group when it is available.

Norm

[PAR]

The software listed will develop panels, but developing panels is the last thing you need to do for this type of conversion. FreeShip will permit you to import a lines drawing, place them under a new drawing and then you can develop the panels after you reconcile the new drawing with the old.

The basic problem with all these low cost and freeware programs is they make fancy drawings and generate lots of numbers, which most have difficulty understanding, but they don't tell you if the structure will tolerate what you may ask of it, nor if it is a good shape for your application (not an issue with a known design). This requires an understanding of hull design, engineering plus the concepts and principles behind the stitch and glue methods we employ in many boats.

In typical plywood over frame construction the majority of longitudinal strength is provided by the plywood and the athwartship strength, the frames. Furniture and other accommodations are generally along for the ride, though they do impart some elements of strength.

Stitch and glue also gets it's strength fore and aft from the planking, but it's athwart requirement is handled by the furniture and bulkheads. Placement of these, particularly if you're interested in some level of performance, can be critical. Building heavy, just in case, is the easiest way to kill the abilities of a small craft (30' or less), power or sail.

Which design are you "splashing" (which brings up some other issues)?