As I studied the layout of the bottom of the hull, I identify the important features that I want to maintain throughout the building of this model. Obviously, an outline of the hull from above is required as is an outline of the hull from a side view. The bottom portion of this hull will include the sponsons from their center point and below as viewed from the side so I need to consider this additional depth while cutting out the piece that will define the depth and shape of this hull.
Since the bottom half of this hull will include the lower half of the sponsons, I will also design the semi-circular shapes that will help in the shaping of the sponsons and include them in my list of “must haves” for completing this hull with accuracy. The other important hull characteristics that I want to include in the way of a mahogany form are the transom and the sides of the hull that run below the level of the sponsons.
Once all of these pieces have been cut out and smoothed with a sander, I need to resist the temptation to start gluing all these pieces into place until I get an assembly base built for this hull. Since this hull has a curved bottom that runs fore to aft, the base must support this shape. If the base does not support the final shape of your project, there is a good possibility that your work will not provide the outcome that you envision.
To build a base for this hull, I cut two identical shapes that mimic the lines that I cut for the keel and the hull sides. I used my hot glue gun to attach these pieces to a 1″X4″ by 4′ piece of MDF and then I attached that to an old melanamine shelf that I had that is 1″X12″ by 3′. This base will allow me to attach the components of the hull to a stable, durable base that will hold the hull’s shape while going through the building process.
Keel and Hull sides
Happy Glassing
Steve
