re: Planking

In the first pic, the line of that batten divides the topside planking from the bottom planking. All topside planks come from a pattern drawn up pretty much as you described.
The bottom is not as symmetrical. It is much bigger in the stern than in the bow so all the planks there are individually laid out in rows.
The narrow topside planks are “edge set” into place, meaning bent on edge to fit the curve. The wider ones on the bottom are “spiled” or shaped to form around the compound curve.
The may look straight on the boat but in fact be quite a banana shape when laid flat.
The bevel for caulking (5 degrees) is planed on the bottom of each plank and almost all are left square on top.