First Time Sailors

To all men and women who have any knowledge whatsoever concerning shipbuilding (specifically with wood),
As the head of a youth program in Salem, Oregon who are currently attempting to construct a historic ship of which we have read, made sometime around 50 BC, I am terribly frustrated. Being made around such a time it was constructed entirely of wood. Now as it is, no one in this group has any idea of how to construct a ship from wood, or for that matter, from anything. There are currently 20 of us working together, however spirits are getting lower by the day. We would like to ask that anybody with any idea as to how to constuct a two story (decked) wooden ship, with at least two masts, a wooden rudder, and knows anything about rigging, would please contact us at booyahgrandpa@hotmail.com and tell us what you know. If you happen to live in the Salem, OR area, feel free to give us a number at which to reach you, your professional opinion would be most appreciated.
(P.S. To anyone who knows the least bit about wood-carving feel free to contact us as well)
Thank You.

[duluthboats]

Why would you ever start such a thing with what seems to be so little planning?
Gary
PS You only need to post it once.

[Admin]

< Admin Note: 5 duplicate threads removed >

As Gary says, please only post the same thing once in the single most appropriate forum. If you really can't decide which forum to post in, break your questions down into different parts so you can ask about designers or plans in the design forum, about building and construction methods in the boatbuilding forum, etc. But please don't post the same identical post over and over - it's confusing and only results in the people who can help you having to spend their time figuring out what is a new post and what isn't and who has replied where rather than spending the same time giving you some good replies.

< /steps off soapbox >

[gonzo]

It is wishful thinking to believe you can build a ship without any experience. A shipwright masters at least fifteen trades and has working knowledge of several more. Also, it may be more worthwhile to build a representative vessel instead or a true replica. Ships of that era had short lives. You can expect ten years maximum before she rots. Have you inquired on the availability of wood? To be historical, the lumber must be of the same species and dimensions. Do you have any idea of the cost? If you are funded adequately, the extra $40,000 to hire a shipwright should be a small percentage of the total. If you are not, it makes no sense at all. I am not available at the time but can refer you to other shipwrights.