Attaching the Bowsprit

The bowsprit is the front most part of the ship and is similar to a mast that lays on its side protruding out of the front of the ship. There are many details on this bowsprit, although it does not compare to the level of detail on a larger vessel. The small size of all the parts involved proved to be especially challenging. The photo above shows the bowsprit from the front and there is a good view of some of the rigging that keeps everything in place.


Small details were hand crafted like the stretching screw attached to one of three small eyes at the end of the bowsprit. this stretching screw is still larger than it should be for scale, but there were two more made that had to be smaller and that was difficult enough. Here you can also see the jackstays and the line that would have been used to tie up unused forward sails. Because of the small size these had to be glued down, no amount of gravity could keep these thin lines from sticking straight out.


Multiple eyes were attached to the ships hull where rigging for the bowsprit was to be attached, and additional eyes are in place for the mast stays that will be put in place later. I had difficulty getting these lines tight, and I ended up pulling out some of the eyes which prompted me to make new ones. I have now graduated if you will, to hand crafting all of my eyes and stretching screws. The additional stretching screws are shown here, only one of course because its match is on the other side.

In this last photo it is easier to see all of the details of the bowsprit. on the inside of the ship it is white and square, while on the outside it is stained wood and round. the sheaves that go through the bowsprit are also visible and will eventually house the lines for the mast stays. In this photo it is also easier to see the different rigging lines and the attachment of the bowsprit to the ship. At this point I will now be moving onto the masts and must first mount the ship to its final display base. It may be some time for the next update, I am not to sure how I am going to tackle the masts, but eventually they will go up and then the rigging will begin.