The Masting of American Merchant Sail in the 1850s: An Illustrated Study

[trippwj]

I had not seen that this one came out - looks like it may be an interesting addition to my library!

 

The Masting of American Merchant Sail in the 1850s: An Illustrated Study

William L. Crothers – July 2014

 

Paperback: 188 pages

Publisher: McFarland (July 31, 2014)

Language: English

Print ISBN: 978-0-7864-9399-9

Ebook ISBN: 978-1-4766-1569-1

57 illustrations, 2 maps, appendix, glossary, bibliography, index

188pp. softcover (8.5 x 11)

 

This book describes the intricacies of the construction and fabrication more than 150 years ago of masts and yards installed in American merchant vessels, particularly those spars which were "built" or composed of multiple pieces bound together by iron bands. These were referred to as "made" spars as opposed to spars constructed from a single tree. It also contains instructions for developing the shape and proportions of various spars. Very little information is available on this subject. Generally, the external sizes of individual spars can be found but intimate details are sorely neglected. In addition, the book includes the spacing and location of masts in a ship, and the rake, and it discusses the types of wood that are most desirable in the construction of spars.

 

Table of Contents

 

Acknowledgments vi

Preface 1

Introduction 3

Alphabetical List of Vessels 6

Chronological List of Vessels 10

Part I. How Masts and Spars Were Constructed

1. The Evolution of Masts and Spars for the Square Rigged Vessel 25

2. Timber Used in Mast Making 32

3. Harvesting, Storage and Preservation of Timber 34

4. Proportions of Masts and Spars 41

5. A Single Tree Mast and Bowsprit 52

6. Made-Masts and ­Made-Bowsprits 57

7. Upper Masts 75

8. Yards 82

9. Booms and Gaffs 92

Part II. Masting Arrangements

10. Location and Rake of Masts 99

11. Spar Plans of American Merchant Sail in the 1850s 103

12. The Spar Makers 124

Appendix: Masting Tables for Categories of Vessels Included in This Book 127

Glossary 173

References 177

Index 179

 

Publisher website: http://www.mcfarlandbooks.com/book-2.php?id=978-0-7864-9399-9

[michaelpsutton2]

This one is a must for anyone building the Flying cloud or any of the American clipper ships.

[uss frolick]

I'm glad Mr. Crothers is still around and active. I hope he produces more of his Sea Gull Plans series.