As the name implies, this book deals with lines and lofting, but what sets it apart from others on the subject is that its first section deals with half models. This is the way the author learned and the way he has taught lofting for years, and it works. Once you understand half models, (and you will after working with this book) they illustrate nearly all of the lofting process. They offer the further benefit of helping you become familiar with the three-dimensional hull you are about to build before lofting and before committing precious resources. It's the easiest method you will ever read, and it's all explained using a half model.

The lines section shows you how to select, interpret, and use building plans efficiently. Once you understand the half models and the two-dimensional lines derived from them, lofting is no longer intimidating. The lofting section takes you the rest of the way with no-nonsense coverage of the entire process, explaining how make the seemingly unavoidable corrections, and how to make use of your lofting, once completed.

Lines, Lofting, & Half Models is not a theoretical book, it's one that shows you how the job is done in a straightforward way. Can you handle most lofting but blanch at the mechanics involved in lofting a raking curved transom? You won't have that problem after studying this book–really! We're proud to tell you that this book is being selected by instructors in more and more schools and seminars. It's a book no boatbuilder should be without.

The boat shown above is the original 12'-6"Great Island Rowboat. Built in Lincolnville (Maine) about the time of World War I, lines were taken off and recorded in 1980. Faired and verified on the lofting board, building plans were drawn and are now available from Duck Trap Woodworking . Her construction is straightforward and she handles well under oars or with a small outboard motor. Lacking the ability to take off the lines, fair them, and then draw the plans, her lines would have been lost--and with them a good utilitarian design.

To the right is a Newfoundland Trap Skiff. Her lines came from a 100+ year old builder's half model. As with the G.I. Rowboat, her lines were taken off, lofted, and finally translated into boatbuilding plans.

All of the information for both jobs could have been found in Lines, Lofting, and Half Models, had it been written at the time. The same builder who did both jobs (and a good many more) has since written this book. Here's a chance to avail yourself of his experience.