Technology and Culture - Boats: Half models

Wooden boats and their environment

Ireland has a rich tradition of boat-building, both working craft and racing boats. These boats were designed for specific purposes and particular places, local weather, materials and craftsmanship were incorporated into their designs. Sometimes the designs came from abroad and were adapted for local conditions. Many of these designs are still preserved and active today.

This course is about designing a wooden sailing boat for Lough Derg (County Tipperary) referring to the history and traditions of local construction and water use. Students will learn about the history of boat design and construction, the processes of design and the methods of construction. There will be visits to boatyards and boatbuilders with a particular emphasis on techniques of wooden construction. The final objective is the creation of a new design of sailing craft.

Monday, December 15, 2014

Half models - First Draft

Water Wag, first draft. Among the many things learned from this exercise was that for smoothness of lines and efficiency it is better if a half model is a one person job and cutting plan and then elevation and then sanding with the help of negative sections is better than joining sectional pieces.