For masochists and those who either want to build a boat from archive materials where patterns are not available, or for those who are unfortunate enough to deal with a designer who is unable or unwilling to provide full size patterns, you may be forced to undertake the job of completely lofting your chosen design full size.   There are several books available which cover the subject fully.   I will leave it to you to research lofting if you are forced into this action.

   If you do have to loft full size, make sure you do the complete lofting job.   Do not take shortcuts by lofting frames only, without drawing out all the water lines, buttock lines etc., all full size.   If you take short cuts with lofting, you will regret it when you start to assemble and fair your hull.

   If you are fortunate enough to receive full size patterns with your plans, please use the patterns.   On no account should you try to “improve” the patterns by re-lofting the lines.   There may be a slight movement in paper patterns due to atmospheric changes but this movement is usually evenly distributed throughout the patterns.   Provided you are working under reasonable conditions, these variations will not be large enough to affect the finished product.   When ready to use the patterns, you should pick a day when you believe the temperature and humidity will remain constant.   Prepare to transfer the paper patterns to a plywood floor or “take off” the frame shapes and other various items as shown on your patterns.   If you want the ultimate accuracy and are prepared to pay extra, then you can ask your designer to supply the patterns plotted on Mylar film but this is expensive and unnecessary.