Whats the best book on rigging for a beginner?

[Thunder]

On 3/5/2025 at 5:55 PM, Stuka said:

Thank you for this post.  To give some background Im currently rigging the Cutter Sherbourne.  My next vessel will be Speedy but for now Im focused on tSherbourne. Do you know what sets Peterssons books apart since you recommended the fore and aft craft? I have seen that he has another book about period model ships aswell.

Hi, i picked that book out as it specifically would be useful for your cutter 

[Thunder]

On 3/5/2025 at 6:21 PM, Stuka said:

Thanks Gregory. I did see some of those discussions buty didnt dwelve to deep into it. However Petersson has a book called rigging period ships models aswell as the fore and aft rigging one. Anybody know the the diffirence cause wouldnt he cover the fore and aft rigging in his other one?

Hi,

 

It is worth reading up on cutters as their evolution was specific to the rig and is different to the standard for and aft rig you will find as part of the rigging on a ship. Pattersons other book is more precise for a frigate of the later Napoleonic period.

 

A cutter's rig and a Sloops rig at first look very similar, however, they are different. The cutter's main difference is that the bowsprit could be run in and out and so alter its length, they are, therefore, almost horizontal. If you look at my two builds of cutters you will my point if i explain that the Resolution  is described as a cutter by the kit manufacturer but is actually a sloop. It was this element of the rig that Bill Shoulder also got wrong in his instructions. Masts and yards were correct but one item of rig would prevent the running in of the bowsprit.

 

Another excellent book regarding Sloops is 'Sloop of war' by Ian McLaughlan. (used to visit this site at one time). He describes the different rigs. Don't think it just have Sloops, as does cover the Sloop rig, but just to confuse things more, the term 'sloop of war' refers to any naval vessel below that which a post captain would command.

[Stuka]

42 minutes ago, Thunder said:

It is worth reading up on cutters as their evolution was specific to the rig and is different to the standard for and aft rig you will find as part of the rigging on a ship. Pattersons other book is more precise for a frigate of the later Napoleonic period.

 

A cutter's rig and a Sloops rig at first look very similar, however, they are different. The cutter's main difference is that the bowsprit could be run in and out and so alter its length, they are, therefore, almost horizontal. If you look at my two builds of cutters you will my point if i explain that the Resolution  is described as a cutter by the kit manufacturer but is actually a sloop. It was this element of the rig that Bill Shoulder also got wrong in his instructions. Masts and yards were correct but one item of rig would prevent the running in of the bowsprit.

 

Another excellent book regarding Sloops is 'Sloop of war' by Ian McLaughlan. (used to visit this site at one time). He describes the different rigs. Don't think it just have Sloops, as does cover the Sloop rig, but just to confuse things more, the term 'sloop of war' refers to any naval vessel below that which a post captain would command.

Thank you for your time and effort. Il make sure to take a look on the build log and read up upon what you suggested and Il look up the book recommendation too 👍

[Stuka]

59 minutes ago, Thunder said:

Hi, i picked that book out as it specifically would be useful for your cutter 

Thanks, and many others suggested it too so I will probably get it along with the other 3. Its just a shame I have to order it from abroad but I believe it will be worth the money.