Drafting Students Build Classic Race Boat

Drafting students are not always able to see their drawing ideas come to real life. In 2007, a pair of sophomore students came forward, wanting to design and build a model of a race boat. To insure them a good chance of success in their first nautical design venture, we advised them to perform some internet searching.  Up came a classic design from 1962 Science and Mechanics for a one man speed boat called "Minimost". Plans for the hull were re-drafted from scanned images using Autocad software. Two dimensional plans were sufficient for building a 1/12th scale balsa model, but a 3D parametric model was also drawn. The balsa model was constructed by these students, and is shown in photo.

Other students watched the model building with some interest, and wanted in on the action! But what would have been gained by building multiple copies of a balsa model? Why not build the real thing? Certainly more students would be able to be involved as a group project. It was determined that a boat as small as the Minimost- at 4’ by 8’ long, could indeed be built in the drafting shop!

The scanned internet drawings were re-drafted in full size. Patterns were plotted and mounted for permanency. Wood, fasteners and materials have been cut, coaxed and nailed together by students from all four grade levels. The original author claimed that Minimost could be built in “five evenings, 15 hours total.”  We have not met that goal, but are having a lot of fun on the journey. Plans are for a June launching.