I bought vellum grid tracing paper on a roll from a drafting supply house to learn lofting. It allowed the lofting mojo to flow and the grid keeps it all accurate. I used a clear piece of ripped stock to fair the curves and then transferred the paper pattern to wood. Yes its an extra step but it builds confidence. You can even transfer to cheap ply for your first panel or two and see how they come out. Each mistake will cost you about $2. You can switch to expensive marine ply when you see things going properly.

I used this method to avoid ruining my $70/sheet ply for this Melonseed sailing skiff project. It really helped ease any mental tension.

Jim