Building a Pearson 35

Half Hull

     Back in the day, half hull models were used by builders to design, test, and build boats of all sizes. Basically, the half hull was carved, the sections cut, and the ribs lofted from them.

Making a half hull of your Pearson 35, using the lift method, is a simple task, albeit a little time consuming. 

Necessary tools are, a carpenter’s square, hammer, multiple clamps, palm sander, saber saw.

Materials needed are, differing lengths of ½” “project board” (available from Lowe’s or Home Depot), short (3/4”) finish nails or brads, several packs of 40 or 60 grit sandpaper, and wood glue. 

Note—if you plan on varnishing your hull, you may want to purchase two different kinds of wood, one for above the waterline, and one for below.  This will give a nice contrast.

The steps are:

Procure a set of lift drawings

 I have been using Todd Dunn at.  Todd Dunn Micro Yachts

Cut out each lift drawing

 Transfer the drawing to a piece of ½” project board—make sure to number each lift and line.  Trace all lines

Cutting

Using a saber saw, cut out each lift

Using the short brads to hold position, nail, glue and clamp the lifts together as per the numbered lines.

It is easier to only do several lifts at a time instead of all at once.

Make sure to use the brads towards the backside of the model so they do not come through the “hull” when shaping.

When all lifts are in place, and the glue is setup, it is time to shape the hull.  A traditionalist would use a plane, chisels, a spoke shave, sanding blocks, etc.  Not being a traditionalist, I fire up Mr. Makita with some 40 or 60 grit paper and sand the hull into shape.  It takes while.  I’ve found it easiest to sand for an hour once every couple of days.

As the hull takes shape, the “lift lines” will disappear and you can gradually shift to a smoother and smoother sand paper.

Once the hull is complete you mount it on a suitable board and varnish it or paint it first, then mount it on a varnished board.  It is easiest to glue it in place and, after the glue is set up, screw in two screws from the back side.

The finished P35 Half Hull