The
Spritsail Skiff
- Model Boat Building
by Steve Rogers &
Patricia Staby-Rogers
Softcover
215 x 275mm
64pp
Published by Schiffer Publishing Ltd, PA, USA
R.R.P.$23.90
ISBN 0-88740-534-7
As reviewed in The Australasian Toymaker Issue 1
The skill and craft of wooden boat builders is kept alive, in part, thanks to the work of modelmakers such as Steven and Patricia Rogers. In The Spritsail Skiff, you are given the chance to build a one-inch scale model based on a unique working skiff.
The book contains five chapters made up almost entirely of photos and drawings (with captions), and instructional text when and where appropriate. The authors say that the model is built 'in much the same way as the actual boat...' — with minor changes — so this strong, visual guidance is ideal.
A brief introduction outlines the origins of the Spritsail Skiff, its design and construction, as well as suggested methods for successfully completing the project. Following this is a chapter on The Materials, detailing what supplies will be needed.
Detailed drawings of the Aft, Stern, Midship and Bow construction begin the modelmaking process. These show side and top views of the skiff and include details of the mast, thwart, bulkhead and mast step, as well as bottom planks, bottom frames, side frames and decking.
To keep the skiff aligned and to maintain its correct shape during construction, drawings for a prefabricated jig are provided. This is an important step in the construction of the skiff as it will designate the location of the frames, the forward chunks and the transom while you build. Furthermore, it will hold the workpiece securely in place while you apply the bottom planks.
To give you an idea of the construction details that are provided, Building the Boat contains 217 photos and 7 drawings, all captioned - some extensively where precise instructions are necessary. Each step of the skiff-building process is depicted, beginning with the making of the jig and progressing through the cutting and assembly of the transom, fitting and fastening the side planks, installing the frame pieces, to the bottom planks, side frames, centreboard, rudder and mast.
Painting the skiff and making and fitting the sails are then explained using the same pictorial format. A gallery of final photos shows the finished model from all angles.
Both aspiring and seasoned model boat builders will find The Spritsail Skiff provides a project that has a simple, yet elegant design, incorporating many of the original construction techniques.
Photos: Colour
Units of Measurement: Imperial
Contents
Introduction
The Materials
Detailed Drawings
The Jig
Building the Boat
Painting and Sailmaking