About our plans packages
Introduction
Plans from Glacier Boats of Alaska come in two forms, a) printed plans, and b) instant digital delivery (download) plans. All instant digital delivery plans packages are provided as ZIP files which contain a set of PDF format documents. Most operating systems can already open a downloaded ZIP file with either an archive manager included with your computer (Linux etc), or as a compressed folder (Windows). If your particular system does not have such capabilities, then note that several free utilities exist online for you to download and use. For Windows machines, examples include 7-Zip ® and WinZip ® among others.
In order to make use of the included PDF documents, either your machine will already include a PDF viewer/printer (Linux) or you can download one for free, i.e. Adobe Reader from Adobe Software®. All PDF documents may be printed on standard 8-1/2 by 11 inch Letter-sized paper, but some drawings will most readable when printed on larger sizes. All drawings however are designed so that all critical information and dimensions are clear and readable when printed at the smallest size, e.g. on 8-1/2 by 11 inch paper. On some drawings, certain notes may be printed too small for some unless printed on Legal-sized 8-1/2 by 14 inch paper, or better yet, upon Architect-A 11 by 17 inch paper. It is important to note that the notes that may be too small for some to read are included on a drawing that they are merely a repeat, a reminder, of more thorough information found in the construction manual(s).
What you get
Study Plans:
Study plans packages typically include a description and introduction type document, any articles published about the boat whether published online or in the literature, specifications on the boat and powering requirements, hydrostatics and hydrodynamics where available, basic bill of materials, and a variety of drawings depending on the type of boat. Typical drawings included will be plan and profile views of the boat, inboard profile, inboard construction profile, etcetera.
Instant Digital Delivery Plans:
When plans are delivered via download, they include exactly the same contents as printed plans (see below), except they are delivered as PDF documents in one or more ZIP files as described above. These files are exactly the same ones that we use for producing our printed plans. The instant-delivery link for downloading plans will allow up to 9 attempts to download the files, but if you as a customer browse to our web site and register, then I will give you access to a download page where all files can be downloaded indefinitely. The 9-attempt limit is necessary on the part of our digital deliver service to prevent robot or hacker attacks from overloading the system with constant downloads.
Printed Plans:
Printed plans include construction manuals and the full set of drawings required for building the boat. Construction manuals are printed on 8-1/2 by 11 inch paper in color, and drawings are all printed on Architect-A 11 by 17 inch paper. In addition, all purchasers of printed plans can have indefinite access to the same documents via download at our web site. You need to visit http://www.glacierboats.com and register for me to (manually) give you access to the download page. Then, whenever you log in, the Downloads link(s) will bring you to the page where you may download the files indefinitely. This is especially useful for producing shop copies upon which you wish to make additional notes or that may risk being damaged while working.
Bon voyage!
