Most full size patterns are plotted or traced on 24” [610mm] or 30” [760mm] or perhaps even 36” [1 metre] wide paper or Mylar film. These sections are laid side by side wallpaper fashion to reveal the complete set of fames, stem pattern and other elements of your boat that are supplied full size.
You will find the patterns generally show one side, or half the shape of the frame. As most boats are symmetrical, your patterns need only show one side of the boat. Usually frames 0,1,2,3,4 and 5 are shown on the right side and frames 6,7,8,9 and 10 are on the left side of your assembled patterns. Some designs may also have half frames, for example 1.5, 2.5 and so forth. You will need the radius of the expanded transom so you can later form the transom to its correct rounded shape. Study your patterns with the lines plan. The lines plan will contain frame spacing and other important measurements that you will need when setting up your hull framework.
When laying out the patterns, you will need a space that is wider than the beam of your boat. The best way to lay out the patterns is to make up a plywood floor that is equal in size to the patterns plus a percentage. The various sheets should be taped down in position, making sure the centre line, headstock or base line and waterline all match up. Your patterns may also have small cross reference points; these must be correctly lined up to give an accurate shape. Once you have the patterns laid down in position, there are several ways to transfer the lines or the frames and the stem. You will need to mark the lines on to the timber, so you can cut out the shapes as shown in your plans. Illustrations show some methods; your plans may suggest others.
