A craftsman shaping a half-hull was a familiar sight in seaport towns for over 190 years. Since 1973, that scene has been recreated in the workshop of Half-Hull Classics by Scott Chambers.
At this work bench you might see this craftsman shaping the hull of a Gloucester schooner. Using only hand tools he will shape the various laminated layers or "lifts" that make up the half-hull. You will find the plans or "lines drawings" of the vessels close at hand to assure accuracy. Templates are made from these plans and precisely fitted at a seris of points along the hull. This process is very time consuming, but is needed to duplicate the ship's true hull contour.
After the half-hull is finish sanded, several coats of enamels are applied. The hull is then mounted on a finished mahogany, cherry, or oak plaque and an engraved brass plate is attached denoting the vessel's name, building dates, etc.
The finished product is a half-hull crafted in the fine traditions of generations past.
