bunt lines...

[paul ron]

im scratch building a clipper, flying fish 1:96. im bitting off more than i can chew with details by installing bunt lines... but im not putting on sails.

my question, when sails are removed or going to be installed... how are bunt lines left on the masts? do you leave a bundle hanging at the end of the ropes at each block? how much line should i bundle?

please...dont give me references to books. ive searched the books and cant find an appropiate answer, thus the reason for my post.

 

[Y.T.]

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[AllanKP69]

please...dont give me references to books. ive searched the books and cant find an appropiate answer, thus the reason for my post.

Have you studied the Ed Tosti work on Young America? I am not sure about the rigging but it may be worth a look.
Allan

 

[paul ron]

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View attachment 619792

thats it... just a stopper knot?... easy enough. i guess i was over thinking it by allowing a hank at least of 8' of line at each block to clip onto the sail.

thanks.

 

[Roger Pellett]

Accounts of these great clippers are worth reading as they provide insight into how these ships operated as a business, the reason that they were built.

Anyhow, when these ships reached port, once they had been unloaded they had to wait until a return cargo was secured. This might take considerable time, particularly in the port of San Francisco where there could be more cargo arriving than departing.

Sails and rigging line were organic materials affected by weather. To prolong their life sails were sent below until a new cargo had been secured. The crew were also discharged. Rigging other than the standing rigging and that required to control yards, halyards, braces, lifts, etc. would also be sent below. The ship would then be anchored in the harbor to avoid dockage charges.

Once a cargo had been secured the vessel’s master would hire a new crew. Their first job would be to re-rig the ship. It would then be towed alongside a pier to load cargo.

So! Buntlines would not be rigged on a ship with bare yards (without sails).

Roger