Hello,
I want to scratch build a paddleboat, but it's been a very long time since I built a boat. I have the shape in my head, but i need to read up on how to plan building the hull (plank on frame); theory and practical, ie. planning displacement, construction and placement of bulkheads, keel materials, etc.

Any pointers appreciated.

Hello Logoman,

Welcome to the group.

Can you give us some idea of what you have in mind? First of all, are we talking full size or a scale size paddler. When you say you have a hull shape in mind can you give us some details? Flat bottomed as in river use or full depth as in an ocean-going vessel?  Length, width, depth.

It's quite possible that the plans of another vessel might be used with a little modification to meet your ideas.

So, as they say, "Help us help you".   

Randy

Hi PD's.....'logoman'.......I second the comment from Randy...... ...plans are very important & if they cost you $20 US dollars it would be the best spent money you could think of concerning a model vessel

Sketch it up from photographs then attempt to draw your own hull lines.... you will only end up unless you were a professional 'loftsman' from before the advent of computers 

Welcome to PD's...think about your vision & let us know the detail.....someone from around the world will assist ...Derek

Thisn is the closest hull (without paddles) to what I have in mind:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/69998588@N00/sets/72157607356697053/

I will recreate the proportions of that boiler and I'm planning either a oscillating triple horizontal or a double acting dual horizontal engine.

Hi PD's...& logoman.....the hull is very slender & however beautiful ....depicts late turn of the century......the boiler a shown....is a little TOO large or out of scale for the hull...I also suspect the snaps are many years old & displaying a metho tank & burner

Just thinking ...... ...the weight of the paddle wheels & drive on higher axis may sink the hull

Please..... the comments are not negative ........but just to get the thought process going.........spend a few hours reading our WEB pages.....Derek

cheers derek, I do spend some nice quiet hours enjoying this website.