Holes in Stem Post

[acaron41120]

I am just starting the Billing Boats "Santa Maria." It is a 3-piece keel (stem post, keel and stern post) and where the stem post curves forward near the top, there are two holes that will be seen when the model is built. These holes were not made by a previous builder as I am the first one to build the kit. These holes look to be there since the kit was made at the factory. They are about the size of one of those large staples in heavy cardboard boxes. The plans don't show these holes so what are they used for? I thought they might be for the ropes securing the bowsprit to the stem post but neither the plans nor instructions say what to do about them? Should I fill them in or add a veneer or that part of the stem post? As soon as I figure out what to use for posting photos I'll post some photos! Thanks in advance for your help and suggestions.

 

Allen C

Edited April 18, 2020 by acaron41120
Posted incorrect ship name. I'm starting the Santa Maria, not the Mayflower which is the next in the hopper.

[barkeater]

If I read this right, one could possibly be for the bumpkin shrouds and the other for the mainstay collar. A picture would help.

[popeye2sea]

Unless I am mistaken, Mayflower was built in a period prior to the use of bobstays for the bowsprit so those holes could be for the fore sail tacks which were often taken through holes in the stem before leading aboard on the opposite side.

 

Regards,

[acaron41120]

I have taken a couple of pictures with my cell phone and will try to post them later tonight. My hope is that this site will post photos from a cell phone and saved in a file on an Apple computer.

[acaron41120]

Okay...here's a photo of the holes in my stem post. Hope this works!

 

[Mark P]

Good Afternoon Allan;

 

I would have agreed with Henry's post above, if you had not posted the picture. Certainly neither bumkins nor bobstays would be used for the Mayflower, as both came into use later. 

 

Your idea of staple holes is probably correct. It could be that several pieces of ply are fastened together temporarily to ensure that they all are worked to the same profile. The only other possible use I can think of is as holes to fasten filler blocks to receive the ends of the planks. But there is normally no need to fasten these through the stem. 

 

I do not think that these serve any construction related purpose.

 

All the best,

 

Mark P

Edited April 18, 2020 by Mark P
planks, not plans!

[acaron41120]

Thanks for the info. Also I've edited the original post stating I'm building the "Mayflower." I'm actually building the Santa Maria. Mark you said "Certainly neither bumkins nor bobstays would be used for the Mayflower, as both came into use later." I agree and your comment certain fits as the Santa Maria came way before the Mayflower. Thanks again for your help.