Hey all:

I'm a long time lurker, and a one time builder of a strip built Great Auk. Recently my thoughts have turned to strip building a small sail boat. After looking far and wide, the "Melonseed Skiff" has caught my eye. It's a beauty! There's a guy selling fiberglass reproductions at http://www.melonseed.com

I just received a copy of plans from the Mystic Seaport museum, which include offsets. I also ordered the original Chappelle drawings (with offsets) from the Smithsonian, which I'm still waiting for.

The offsets included with the Mystic plans are for 6 stations plus the transom, so 7 total. They are to be spaced 2 feet apart.

My question: Will it be difficult to strip build with stations 2 feet apart? It seems an awfully big distance to keep the strips together without resorting to some sort of improvised system.

I have no problem lofting from a set of offsets, which brings up question number 2: Is there anyway for me to calculate the offsets for additional, "in between" stations? I'm guessing I could probably do it with sophisticated hull design software, but is there any "back of the napkin" short cuts?

Any advice would be appreciated!

Thanks in advance,
Charlie