Ships Fastenings

In this first detailed study of hull fastenings, Michael McCarthy describes those found on ships throughout the ages, from sewn-plank boats of the ancient world and Micronesia to Viking ships, Mediterranean caravels, nineteenth-century ocean clippers, and steamships. McCarthy also provides a history of many discoveries and innovations that accompanied changes in the kinds of fastenings used and the way they were secured--such as copper sheathing, metallurgy, and welding. Underwriting and insurance are also discussed, since the registries kept by Lloyd's and others dictated the form and method of fastening. This book will interest not only archaeologists and historians, but also boat builders and enthusiasts.

Without effective and durable hull fastenings, boats and ships—from the earliest days of seafaring through the twentieth century—could not have plied the seas. In Ships’ Fastenings, this central element of boat construction receives its first detailed study. Author Michael McCarthy offers a fascinating, thorough description of a range from sewn-plank boats of the ancient world and Micronesia to Viking ships, Mediterranean caravels, nineteenth-century ocean clippers, and even steamships. Along with the comprehensive account of ship fastenings, McCarthy provides a history of many of the discoveries and innovations that accompanied changes in the kinds of fastenings used and the ways they were secured. He discusses copper sheathing, metallurgy, the advent of Muntz metal, rivets of all types, welding in the ancient and modern sense, and the types of non-magnetic fastenings needed on World War II minesweepers. He even takes a glance at the development of underwriting and insurance, because the registries kept by Lloyd’s and others were not only guides to the suitability or a particular ship but also dictated the form and method of fastening. Ships’ Fastenings will prove of value to shipbuilders, historians, and archaeologists. It is also written for the enthusiast and amateur boat builder.

The American-Built Clipper Ship presents in detail 152 clippers that comprise the culmination of the shipbuilder's art. Every facet of clipper-ship design and construction is covered, from felling timber to details on interior finish work. Detailed drawings illustrate this work.