The American-Built Clipper Ship, 1850-1856

William Crothers is the retired chief draftsman for the Philadelphia Naval Yard; his work covered all classes of ships, from submarines to aircraft carriers. His highly detailed model ship plans are internationally known throughout the maritime community. His historical research for this book spanned 35 years.

Part I: Prelude to Building a Ship: Man and the Sea.
The Woods that Built Them.
Characteristics of the Clipper Ship.
The Half Model.
The Mould Loft.
Table of Moulded Offsets.
The Lines and Body Plans.
Fastenings, Hole Borers, and Fasteners.
Scarphs.
Part II: Constructing the Hull: Keel Assembly.
Stem and Stempost Assemblies.
Floors and Square Frames.
Keelson and Deadwood Assemblies.
Half Frames, Cant Frames, Bow and Stern Timberings.
Diagonal Iron Bracing, Hold Ceiling.
Stanchions.
Knees and Beams.
Hooks and Pointers.
Mast Steps, Mast Trusses, and Bracing.
Tween Decks Ceiling.
Rails and Bulwarks.
Britts, Hatch Coamings, Deck Plaking, Forecastle and Poop Decks.
Salting, Exterior Planking, Headboards, Mouldings.
Cargo Ports, Scuppers, Channels, Rudder.
Part III: Completion: Metal Sheathing.
Colors.
Hull Ornamentation.
Figureheads.
Deck Arrangements.
Deck Fittings and Outfit.
Ship Interiors.
Masts and Spars.
Rigging and Sail Plans.
The Forgotten Craftsmen.
Flags and Signals.
Entry into Valhalla: The Fate of the Ships.
A Brief Requiem for the Clipper Ships.