I think Nick intended this BBS for amateurs, so don't apologize.

You could build a strongack and curve panels around it, which would allow trimming panels as you go.

The problem, you see, is that much of a stitch and glue (S&G) boat is derived from the shape of the panels, which are layed out as flat patterns. Figuring out what shape, when flat, will result in the right shape when bent and joined and bent some more, is not all that straightforward.

If you could figure out what boat it is, or where the plans originated you'd be best off both ethically and economically.

You could probably use butcher paper, tacked to the hull with rubber cement (on the paper ONLY), and trace the panel shapes. Only do one side of the boat. Then trace those onto plywood stacked two sheets (face to face) thick. Now you cut out BOTH SIDES of the boat together. Absolute symmetry from side to side is essential to build a straight S&G boat.

Do everything you possibly can (e.g. cutting out panels, drilling holes for stitching wire) to both panels at once, with them face to face (or back to back)

Good luck.

P.S., How'd I do guys? Maybe I should actually TRY this stuff, eh?

> Anyhow-- i would like to lift the design of this boat and build another
> S/G that is lighter and more durable -- how do you get hull lines and
> measurments if your not using a strong back-- sorry if this is an
> amateurish question-but outside of rebuilding hatches and doing repairs on
> one of my other boats -I have absolutely no building experience Thanks in
> advance for your help Steve