The "Skipjack" is the last working sailboat to ply the American waters in any significant numbers. Perhaps the best known vessel connected with the Chesapeake Bay, these vessels possessed a highly raked mast and a large amount of sail area, giving them the power necessary to haul the dredging equipment used to collect oysters.
Our model represents a 48 foot long vessel known as an "Oyster Pirate". Operated by poachers and pursued often by the authorities, they dredged at night on oyster beds reserving by the law for tonging, and were known for their speed. The Skipjack's continued use is decreed by state fishery laws, since they do far less damage to the oyster beds than a fleet of modern power dredges. At the turn of the century, approximately 2000 Skipjack's comprised the oyster fleet. There are now less than 40 remaining in the United States today.
The complete kit features:
Midwest's Micro-Cut Quality Basswood and Mahogany parts.
Cleanly pre-cut parts including Frames, Keel, Transom, Deck, Cabin, Side Planking and Bottom Planking.
Complete fittings set which includes cotton material for sails, two sizes of rigging cordage, plastic cleats and blocks, Brass wire for mast hoops, deadeyes, chainplates, oarlocks and chain for bobstay.
Hardwood display base with die-cut cradle ends
is included.
Specifications:
Overall Length: 21"
Height: 20-1/2"
Beam: 4-1/2"
Scale: 7/16" = 1'
This kit is intended for the person having some prior building experience building wooden boats. The kit contains parts that require cutting, fitting, shaping and fabricating.
Midwest's line of Success Series boat kits are designed and engineered for your satisfaction and success. All of Midwest's Apprentice Series model kits contain Micro-Cut Quality Woods and their exclusive Success Series Construction Manual, an extensive all English, illustrated, step-by-step manual that makes building a pleasure.
Build a little piece of American history . . . with Midwest's Apprentice Series Kits. Midwest's Apprentice Boats are modeled after the original boats used in the 1800s and early 1900s. When you build these boats, you will learn real boat building techniques with different types of hull construction such as lapstrake and strip planking. The hull of each boat is built on a frame, just like the real thing.
Made in the USA.
Required Items: (not included)
hobby knife, razor saw, sandpaper, wood glue for wood parts, CA for metal parts (super glue),
paint and varnish.
To see other wood model ship kits: please click
here.For tools, books, & glue: please click
here.
)
