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Building the Poulsbo Boat - A Modern Take on a Classic Wooden Boat - Episode 1

Nomad Boatbuilding

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A new boat build begins.

In this video I introduce a new project in the shop: a Poulsbo Boat — a classic sport fishing design that was once common around Puget Sound, Washington. These boats were traditionally carvel planked with inboard engines and built for rough water and salmon fishing.

For this build we’re adapting the design to modern construction methods. The hull will be strip planked with 1/2" cedar, fiberglassed inside and out, and powered by an outboard motor. The interior will remain mostly open to create a stable, uncluttered platform for fly fishing.

Before starting the full build, I walk through the planning process, including building a quick strip-planked model to understand how the hull will plank up and where stealer planks may be needed. From there we move into the lofting stage — drawing the boat full-size from the table of offsets.

Along the way I discuss:
• Why building a model can save time later
• Tools and methods used in lofting
• Fairing lines from imperfect drawings
• Creating a bevel board for mold reductions
• Understanding plank bevels and mold reductions
• Developing cross-sections through the stem

Some of the videos in this series will be sponsored by WEST SYSTEM Epoxy as we move into fiberglassing and epoxy work later in the build.

Estimated build time: ~410 hours

Website:
https://www.nomadboatbuilding.com

Instagram:
Instagram: nomadboatbuilding

Support the channel on Patreon:
https://www.patreon.com/nomadboatbuil...

00:00 Starting a New Boat Project
00:21 What Is a PS Boat?
00:46 Modernizing the Design
01:05 Simplifying the Interior Layout
01:29 Planning for Future Interior Options
01:44 Building a Planking Model
02:05 Why Stealer Planks May Be Needed
02:35 Strip Planking Choices
02:36 Beginning the Lofting Process
03:05 Working From Imperfect Drawings
03:41 What Lofting Actually Is
05:00 Building a Lofting Board
06:37 Fairing the Main Hull Lines
07:54 Understanding the Hull Shape
08:10 Lofting Tools Explained
09:41 Battens and Bundle Battens
11:40 Tick Sticks and Layout Tools
12:55 Nails and Pencils
14:07 Recommended Books on Lofting
17:14 Mold Reduction Explained
18:33 Using a Bevel Board
21:20 Creating a Custom Bevel Board
23:36 How Bevel Boards Are Used
27:36 When Mold Reductions Matter
31:05 Developing Stem Cross-Sections

#BoatLofting
#StripPlanking
#TraditionalBoatBuilding
#BoatDesign
#SmallCraftDesign
#WoodBoat
#BoatbuildingTools
#DIYBoat
#WestSystemEpoxy
#NomadBoatBuilding
#PacificNorthwestBoats
#Lofting
#BoatPlans
#HandBuiltBoats

20 Comments

@nutsmcflurry3737 9 months ago

I’m glad someone understands this, my mind is in lockup.

@muchmorecoffee 9 months ago (edited)

I'm a big fan of the description of your specific preferences for materials, methods, tools, etc. You're getting better and better Mark. You are the master, and I'm learning. Thanks and cheers, Toby

@MikeAG333 9 months ago (edited)

Oh goodie, I've been looking forward to this.......

......and I've learned something already. That bundle-batten idea is brilliant.

@capefalconkayak 4 months ago

Great information, thanks for making these videos. Much appreciated.

@groopmmex 1 month ago

Super good info!

@groopmmex 1 month ago

amaze amaze

@fs7453-il 9 months ago

Great video. I lofted a couple of small boats 50 years ago, but have probably forgotten whatever I learned at the time.

@mhansl 5 months ago

I enjoy your channel very much, Mark. I'm currently in the process of restoring/remodeling a 31 foot fiberglass sailboat, so most of your content does not apply. However, you present the information in such a concise but thorough manner, and keep it entertaining. Thank you so much for all the work you do.

@ExtraordinaryHorizons 9 months ago

Starting with a model to test plank layout is such smart, proactive problem-solving. Amazing forethought

@mattevans-koch9353 9 months ago

Excellent demonstration of developing the stem section. Thank you, Mark. This is going to be a fun build. Take care and have a great week.

@christopherlovegrove1935 9 months ago

Hi Mark, great video on lofting tips. Yes doing it is the best way to learn, but having someone that knows what they are doing, watching and coaching you
as you go, is better. Loved the bevel board show and tell. Also the stem sections, a must to know for boatbuilders if you are going to pre-bevel the stem.
Having taught lofting here in New Zealand, for many years, to apprentices. From basic lofting to more advanced. Brings a smile to my face.

@tomallen7462 8 months ago

I attended the NWSWB in 1989. This boat was my lofting project. I remember the transom being a real brain twister. Looking forward to the build.

@marcosrobertojuppa2107 6 days ago

Ótimo vídeo e muito bem explicado.
Esse assunto era sempre repleto de dúvidas pra mim. É muito bom conseguir enxergar previamente o que vai acontecer na prática.
Parabéns! Esse assunto é extremamente importante e sempre que puder, traga mais informações relacionadas relacionadas.
Obrigado.
Marcos R. Juppa - Brasil - América do Sul.

@greghoosier7553 9 months ago

Excellent. Thank you.

@johnlell9667 9 months ago

Mark,
The Center for Wooden Boats in Seattle published a monograph detailing the Poulsbo Boat. It contains lines and offsets for both the 15 and 16 ft. models. I would be happy to copy and send it to you if you'd like.

John

@ericthomsen9644 9 months ago

I rebuilt an 18' version years ago. They are pretty simple boats with Johnson doing repetitive plank patterns thru the hull. i.e. he'd have as many as four planks from the same pattern, then have 4 more of a certain pattern. No keelson, just a fir keel. The tumble-home transoms are beautiful. I put a transom hung rudder on mine for simplicity. Good luck with your project, Fun boats.

@sleepykittyboatworks 9 months ago

Have you ever heard of a Gerber Variable Scale? It has a graduated spring that can expand to match other scales. Very helpful when pulling numbers of figures in scientific journals. Love your videos and looking forward to this series.

@dadzilla007 8 months ago

I took a lofting class with Greg Rossel In Maine. I must admit, coming from a computer CAD to this style of blueprint was challenaging, but I enjoyed it.

@paulnjackson 5 months ago

This is wonderful stuff. I really appreciate the effort you are putting in to these videos. I don't yet understand more than about 20% but that's my fault not yours. I have the Oughtred plans for an Acorn skiff as my first planned project, lapstrake plywood. I think his plans mostly obviate the need for lofting but I really want to understand the process and it's ggod to know I can come back here for future builds. So thank you.