The frame lines are first photocopied, and each one glued to the 1/2" thick plywood sheet I obtained from my local builders merchants. These frames give the shape of the hull. I have reduced the frames by 5mm to allow for the thickness of the hull planks and outer fibre paste. Each frame is cut out and sanded to shape. As you can see from the photograph opposite, a notch is cut at the base to allow a good joint to be obtained when gluing each frame to the keel. The individual frames are numbered so that no mistakes are made during construction.

Bow Frames cut from plywood

Keel mounted on work board

Once all the frames have been cut out I obtained a length of 1/2" thick hardwood to cut the shape of the keel. The base board is marked with a centre line, and the keel is then screwed to the base board so that it doesn't move throughout the construction of the hull. Along the length of the keel I have marked the positions of the frames and numbered each one.

After the keel has been marked out the frames can be trial positioned to check for accuracy. Any adjustments can be made at this point before ay gluing takes place. Once I was happy with each frames position it was time to start to glue them into place. A general wood PVA adhesive was used, available from any good builders merchants.  This type of glue offers a 'fast grab' and dries relatively quickly.  The frames where checked with a square to ensure each is vertical and at 90^o to the keel. I allowed twenty four hours drying time before continuing.

Bow frames glued in place

Sheet Balsawood used to skin the hull

From my local model supplier I obtained some 1/16" (1.5mm) thick balsa sheets to cover the plywood skeleton of the hull. This thickness of balsawood is very easy to attach to the frame section and bends in all directions.  For around the bilge areas of the hull, I cut the balsawood sheets into thin planks, 1/2" (12mm) wide and glued them in place. I work on one side of the hull and then the other to make sure the keel remained straight and true. 

The next step was to make and fit the bow and stern blocks. Each block was shaped from a piece of solid Balsawood. This type of wood is very easy to cut and sand to shape, with an add factor that it is has very little weight. 

The hull is now completely skinned and is ready for the next stage of construction.

Solid blocks of Balsawood used for the bow sections