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New Haven Sharpie (ca. 1870s) Scale 1;12. Scratch-built.

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Moderators: Winston, aew

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Gene Bodnar

Thu Apr 21 2016, 05:18pm

Registered Member #126

Joined: Tue Jul 21 2009, 11:20am
Posts: 1778

This model is being built for the Stony Creek Museum in Stony Creek, Connecticut.

It will be built on 1:12 scale, making a model length of 35'. It is based on plans drawn by Howard Chapelle found in his book "American Small Craft."

The vessel is basically a skiff with a 2-mast rig. It was used in the oyster fishery by tonging in shallow water. A typical large sharpie had a rounded stern and a centerboard, and it carried 150-175 bushels of oysters at full capacity.

As can be seen in the photos below, the keelson consisted of 3 laminated planks sawn to the bottom profile of the boat. A portion of the middle lamination was removed to allow for the centerboard slot.

The model is being built upside down on appropriately shaped jig. The bottom planking was always installed athwardship, as I have started in the photo.
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teleman

Fri Apr 22 2016, 03:20pm

Registered Member #1925

Joined: Tue Nov 29 2011, 05:32am
Posts: 1360

I love these little workboats. They are fun to make too.

Gene Bodnar

Fri Apr 22 2016, 05:42pm

Registered Member #126

Joined: Tue Jul 21 2009, 11:20am
Posts: 1778

Strangely enough, I am building all the exterior planking first. After that is finished, I will install the framing. I decided to do this because of the irregular-shaped profile of the hull -- the bow and stern actually rest at higher levels than the waterline.

Gene

Gene Bodnar

Mon Apr 25 2016, 05:56pm

Registered Member #126

Joined: Tue Jul 21 2009, 11:20am
Posts: 1778

The hull planking was finished first. Wood filler was used to fill small cracks, then the hull was sanded smooth. Next, the chine on the interior was installed. Then the frames were cut and installed. After that, the deck clamp was installed. Finally, 32 knees were cut and installed. More planking will be supported by the knees.

teleman

Mon Apr 25 2016, 06:12pm

Registered Member #1925

Joined: Tue Nov 29 2011, 05:32am
Posts: 1360

Looking real nice Gene. Kinda what I went thru with my crapping skiff.

aew

Tue Apr 26 2016, 07:44am

aew

Registered Member #1929

Joined: Wed Nov 30 2011, 03:05pm
Posts: 2924

Nice work on the hull Gene - and I see you've found a good spot to photograph your models!

Gene Bodnar

Tue May 03 2016, 04:38pm

Registered Member #126

Joined: Tue Jul 21 2009, 11:20am
Posts: 1778

Progress on the sharpie. The hull and most of the details have been completed. She's now ready for masting, rigging, and sails. I will also attempt to model a couple of human oyster fisherman, along with the oystering equipment, and also a couple of hundred oysters (modeled from Sculpey).