Evan,
I did a bit of research and you are correct, it is now done that way. I
guess I am a dinosaur. God bless computers, lofting is a horrible task. I
know, I have done a lot of it in my life. However, I hesitate calling mouse
work lofting in deference at least to the way it was.
Steve

"Evan Gatehouse" wrote in message
news:rVN3j.3921$UQ1.364@pd7urf1no...
Steve Lusardi wrote:

No computer will ever replace this task,
even big ship yards still must bulletproof the table of offsets for CNC
cutting machines to be accurate.
Steve

Steve,

Maybe a decade ago this was true, but in the real world of today's
shipyard, the cut files are all done on computer, the plate is burned, and
erection starts the next week. The loftsman is a dying breed.

We (commercial naval architects) seldom provide tables of offsets any
more; just send 'em an IGES file of the 3D hull surface, or we produce all
the steel parts in house. No lofting required.

Evan Gatehouse