Historic Vessels

*To print this page, use landscape format*		HISTORIC VESSEL DRAWINGS
Documenting historic vessels has become an interesting and productive sideline. A lot can be learnt from their shape, construction details, and rig. Some of this can then be applied to aspects of new designs, particularly styling features or proportions which may have been typical for certain craft or periods.		Recording the details of historic vessels is an important part of their preservation. Many older craft were never built from drawings, and others required only a few basic elements to be drawn, from which a skilled builder could then construct the whole craft. More recent boats have been developed from quite detailed plans, but many have outlived these records and their plans are now lost. As a reference tool for restoration and study, and as a record, it is essential to document historic craft by recording their lines, construction, arrangement and other relevant details. Lines are first lifted from the actual hull by using string lines and straight edges as vertical and horizontal datum lines from which offsets are recorded for the profile and sections. An "As Lifted Lines Plan" is prepared from this, then that is faired to produce a Final Lines Drawing. Details of the structure, layout, rig and so on are recorded as sketches and notes, and relevant drawings are then prepared to encapsulate the essential details. Old photos and other sources are often needed to indicate missing items, so research beyond just a study of the actual boat is also a requirement. The method is perhaps labour intensive but this is necessary to properly record the individual details which make each boat unique. The Australian National Maritime Museum has plans prepared under contract by David Payne for a number of their vessels, including Akarana, Britannia, Spirit of Australia and many more. Copies of plans for some of these vessels can be purchased from the museum by application. http://www.anmm.gov.au Lines for Akarana, recreated from a combination of measurements of the hull, the new keel designed by David Payne in the style of Robert Logan, and an estimation of the correct stern profile based on photos. Copyright Australian National Maritime Museum. Akarana perspective above and sketch below by David Payne Ninon, a recreation of her construction and arrangement. Copyright Lady Denman Maritime Museum http://www.ladydenman.asn.au/

HISTORIC VESSEL DRAWINGS

Ninon, a recreation of her construction and arrangement.