How WaveCAD constructs the hull shape

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WaveCAD creates the hull shape from a rocker curve, a plan curve, and a set of former curves.
Each of these curves is determined by a set of control points that you position in the FLAT view.
You can choose which curve you're working on by selecting it in the left pane.

There are NO other factors, except the designs overall size. The overall size can be scaled by any amount using functions on the Tools menu.


Rocker curve

The rocker curve specifies the shape of the bottom along the length of the hull, as viewed from the side. If you look at the side of the hull in the 3D view, the rocker curve is the curve along the bottom.

Plan curve (outline)
The plan curve specifies the outline of the hull, as viewed from above. If you look at the top of the hull in the 3D view, the plan curve is the curve along either the left or right edge of the hull. The plan curve is always the widest point of the hull, not necessarily the rail line.


Formers
There are a set former curves defined for a hull. Each curve specifies the cross sectional shape of the hull at a point along it's length. Cross sectional shapes in between formers are developed by the software, by blending the two adjacent formers to generate an intermediate shape.


Important Notes:

	·	Former shapes have NO effect on the width of the hull. The plan curve is the only thing that influences hull width. So, don't be concerned with the size of the former in the FLAT view, only the shape. The shape is scaled to fit the plan curve when the software develops the hulls shape.

	·	Because the formers are scaled to fit the plan curve, the plan also has an indirect effect on hull thickness. If you make your plan curve wider, the formers will become larger to fit it, and the hull will become thicker so as to maintain the chosen former shapes.

	·	Formers do NOT need to be located at positions where you will want physical formers, or templates. They should only be located at places where they are needed to generate the desired shape. The Print-Former function will develop any needed intermediate shapes, and print formers/templates at the desired locations.