7. Shipbuilding

Shipbuilding is one of the oldest industries in the United States with roots in early colonial settlements.  A Shipwright is a general term for a person who builds and launches wooden vessels.   

At the Ship Builders Office, Draftsmen drew up plans for ships under the direction of a Marine Engineer.  

Shipbuilding normally takes place in a facility known as a Shipyard.  Many of the 45 shipbuilding tools displayed at this stop are from the historic Jones River Shipyard in Massachusetts. The oldest continuously operating Shipyard founded in the 1700s.

A Shipyard employed a number of tradesmen;

Sawyers located and carried out the initial cutting of logs into appropriate timbers.  

Framers created a skeleton of ribs from stern to bow on the ship.

Next the Bolters fastened this mass of timber with iron and copper.  

The Planking Gang laid the pliable timber on the inside and outside of the framing.  

Once the planking was completed, the Joiners used adzes, axes, and scrapers to smooth the hull.  

Caulkers filled in between the planks with cotton and oakum. The seams were then covered with pitch. 

Pumps, to pump the water out of the ship, were constructed by Pump Makers.  

Painters painted the hull and the inside cabins of the ship.  

Sailmakers worked in a Sail Loft producing sails from canvas spun from hemp yarn.  

Ropemakers made the vast quantities of rope needed by sailing vessels from hemp in the Ropery. 

Color Makers made the flags, in the flag loft.  Flags have always been an important part of navigation. 

Anchorsmiths were blacksmiths who forged the set of anchors necessary for each ship. 

Wood Carvers often made ornate decorations such as Figureheads and Sternboards. 

A Cooper makes wooden casks and barrels that carried the ships water, alcohol, and food items.