Westlawn Institute of Marine Technology

For Immediate Release

146 Duchaine Blvd. New Bedford, MA 02745

tel: (508) 995-9711 • fax: (508) 995-5021

e-mail: info@edsonintl.com • www.edsonintl.com

Edson Offers Classic Bronze Spline Weights

for Yacht Designers and Students

May 16, 2005, New Bedford, MA: In response to an unfilled need in the marketplace, Edson has begun producing Bronze Spline Weights for use by yacht designers, boatbuilders, and design students. These classic design tools are used in conjunction with long, flexible battens or ‘splines’ to draw fair curves while drawing a boat’s lines and during the lofting process. Although they are often thought of as a design tool of a bygone era because of the advent of Computer Aided Design programs, they are still an invaluable teaching tool for design students and are often used by professional designers when precise, fair lines are required. They are also a practical tool for boat builders, as generating full size plans for construction often requires ducks and battens on the lofting floor.

The development of the Spline Weights came about from a casual conversation between Stu Waring, Instructor at the Westlawn Institute of Marine Technology and Will Keene, Edson President at the 2004 IBEX show in Miami. “Westlawn students are required to use spline weights in the Westlawn curriculum. Westlawn’s previous supplier stopped producing them, so our students will benefit greatly from Edson stepping up in the creation of these spline weights,” says Westlawn director, Dave Gerr.

The Edson Bronze Spline Weights are the first commercially available spline weights of solid bronze, not lead, so there are no environmental considerations, as with lead weights. Edson’s version of the timeless tools are cast in their own New England foundry and feature a padded felt bottom and the traditional “duck” or “whale” design. They have side indents for easy handling, as well as a slightly raised ‘tail’ for lifting and repositioning. Each one weighs 3 lbs,10oz. (1.65kg) and are 7-1/4” long x 1-7/8” wide.

The Bronze Spline Weights can be purchased directly through Edson in sets of six or individually. A set of six (Edson Part #3500-set) is $175. Singles (Edson Part #3500-1) are $35 each. Contact Edson at (508) 995-9711 to order.

Edson International, celebrating its 146th year, manufactures an extensive line of marine steering systems and accessories, boat davits, radar towers and marine pumps for sail and powerboats.

Contact Information:

Edson International

146 Duchaine Blvd. New Bedford, MA 02745

tel: (508) 995-9711 • fax: (508) 995-5021

e-mail: info@edsonintl.com • www.edsonintl.com

Edson Europe

Harts Farm Way • Havant, Hants, UK P09 1HS

tel: (44) 23 9249 2233 • fax: (44) 23 9249 2255

e-mail: europe@edsonintl.com • www.edsonintl.com

Founded in 1930, the Westlawn Institute of Marine Technology is the only nationally accredited and state certified distance-learning school of small-craft design in the United States. As the not-for-profit educational affiliate of the American Boat and Yacht Council, Westlawn’s primary function is to assure a continual source of highly skilled designers to the marine industry. To learn more about Westlawn, please call (410) 956-7100 or explore the Westlawn web site at www.westlawn.edu.