dolphin striker

[D J B]

Is the dolphin striker normally affixed to the bowsprit or does it hang by a hook or eye bolt? If it just hangs loosely, how are any lines secured for stability?  What am I missing?

 

[stm]

Both are correct depending on the vessel or year. Merchant vessels normally have it secured to the underside of the bowsprit cap with eyelet and hook.  Most of the war vessels I have built have the dolphin striker secured to the front of the bowsprit cap or none at all. Even with it hanging loosely the tension on the lines are enough to keep the striker in place. 

 

Scott

[allanyed]

DJ,

Dolphin strikers went through an evolution of designs from 1794 when they were first introduced (at least in the British Navy)   What year/nationality ship are you building?   

Allan

[D J B]

Thank you both for your information.  Your wealth of information is amazing, to say the least.  I have a kit of the 'Pride of Baltimore II' and I'm trying to modify it to an early 19th Century Baltimore Clipper.

 

Darrell

[allanyed]

Darrell,  Hopefully the following will be of some help.  Not sure which, if any,  would be totally correct, but you get to pick your poison unless a member has something more concrete for a BC in the early 1800s.  

Allan