Digitizing a Boat Hull: Mac26 Modeling Data

[DaveC426913]

How many data points do you want to collect?

As few as needed.

This is not for widespread consumption. It doesn't need to be centimeter accurate.

Basically, the IRL equivalent of a low poly mesh. Maybe 100 data points, strategically chosen. Basically, until I get sick of lying on the gravel parking lot under my trailer.

I can interpolate from 100 and add curves. And of course only one half of the hull needs doing.

Topsides will actually be the bigger challenge. Much more detail

 

[hutchphd]

How about a big contour gauge thingy used in conjunction with a laser level line and maybe a bubble level on the gauge. I remember seeing a 50 cm long one once. Still damned tedious though.

 

[Swamp Thing]

I recommend Meshroom because I like the name.

 

[Baluncore]

There are Mac26X hull photos here.
https://www.boatsonline.com.au/boats-for-sale/used/trailer-boats/macgregor-26x/281571
The hull lines appear to have been developed from flat sheets, so only the several chines, keel, and gunwale on one side need be measured. The surface is simply ruled straight between each pair of adjacent lines.

Park your boat next to a brick wall. Mark points about one or two feet apart, along the lines where the sheets were joined. Note the step profile at the joints. Measure the position of those points from the wall and from the ground. That gives the hull lines.