Hi everyone,
I’m currently building Model Shipways’ Brig Syren (1803) kit. While waiting for some bent boards to dry I decided to get a head start on the ship’s boat — the included 18′ cutter. The kit provides a stack of profile cutouts intended for a bread-and-butter style build. I’ve tried building it this way twice, but so far it's been messy and I’m not satisfied with the results.
I noticed that Vanguard offers a beautifully detailed 1:64 scale 18′ cutter kit, which is essentially the same boat with minor modifications. It’s made of pearwood with photoetched brass details — a nice upgrade. After reviewing its instructions, it appears to simulate a carvel-built hull, with the assumption that you’ll do some filling and finish the outside with a good paint job.
This brings me to my question:
Would an 18′ cutter in 1803 — such as the one carried by Syren — have been clinker or carvel built?
I found one reference stating that British naval cutters were typically clinker-built, except between 1800 and 1820, when carvel construction was used more frequently. Since the U.S. Navy often followed British shipbuilding practices, I’m wondering whether this would have applied to Syren, which was launched in 1803.
I understand that it’s ultimately my choice, and that clinker would be much harder to execute at this scale — but also might look better if done well. While carvel, as described in the Vanguard instructions, would be easier to build and paint cleanly and is how the kit as designed.
So my question to the group is: What would you choose — clinker or carvel — and why
Especially f you’ve tackled this on your own builds, I’d really appreciate hearing your approach.
Thanks in advance!
Glenn
I’m currently building Model Shipways’ Brig Syren (1803) kit. While waiting for some bent boards to dry I decided to get a head start on the ship’s boat — the included 18′ cutter. The kit provides a stack of profile cutouts intended for a bread-and-butter style build. I’ve tried building it this way twice, but so far it's been messy and I’m not satisfied with the results.
I noticed that Vanguard offers a beautifully detailed 1:64 scale 18′ cutter kit, which is essentially the same boat with minor modifications. It’s made of pearwood with photoetched brass details — a nice upgrade. After reviewing its instructions, it appears to simulate a carvel-built hull, with the assumption that you’ll do some filling and finish the outside with a good paint job.
This brings me to my question:
Would an 18′ cutter in 1803 — such as the one carried by Syren — have been clinker or carvel built?
I found one reference stating that British naval cutters were typically clinker-built, except between 1800 and 1820, when carvel construction was used more frequently. Since the U.S. Navy often followed British shipbuilding practices, I’m wondering whether this would have applied to Syren, which was launched in 1803.
I understand that it’s ultimately my choice, and that clinker would be much harder to execute at this scale — but also might look better if done well. While carvel, as described in the Vanguard instructions, would be easier to build and paint cleanly and is how the kit as designed.
So my question to the group is: What would you choose — clinker or carvel — and why
Especially f you’ve tackled this on your own builds, I’d really appreciate hearing your approach.
Thanks in advance!
Glenn
