Skip Jack Wooden Model Yacht
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The skipjack arose near the end of the the 1800s. Dredging for oysters, prohibited
in 1820, was again made legal in 1865. Boats of the time were unsuitable, and
the bugeye developed out of the log canoe in order to provide a boat with more
power adapted to the shallow waters of the oyster beds. The bugeye was originally
constructed with a log hull, and as the supply of appropriate timber was exhausted
and construction costs rose, builders looked to other designs. They adapted
the sharpies of Long Island Sound by increasing the beam and simplifying the
sail plan. The result was cheaper and simpler to construct than the bugeye,
and it quickly became the predominant oystering boat in the bay. Debate remains
to this day about the origins of the name. Some speculate it came from a name
New England fisherman called the flying fish. Still others claim it is derived
from an archaic English term, meaning an "inexpensive yet useful servant."
Maryland's oyster harvest reached an all-time peak in 1884, at approximately
15 million bushels of oysters. The oyster harvest has since declined steadily,
especially at the end of the 20th century. The size of the fleet has likewise
declined. New skipjacks were built as late as 1993, but a change in the law
in 1965 allowed the use of motor power two days of the week. As a result, few
of the boats are operated under sail in commercial use; instead, a pushboat
is used to move the skipjack, and little dredging is done except on the days
that power is allowed. At one time, the number of skipjacks produced is estimated
at approximately 2000. Today, they number about 30. The future of the fleet
remains in doubt as efforts continue to restore the productivity of the oyster
beds. The skipjack was designated the state boat of Maryland in 1985.
Our model ship is 100% hand built from scratch using the “plank on frame”
construction method. Completed model ships contain thousands of details created
by our skillful master craftsmen. Each model ship is made of the finest wood
like Rosewood, Mahogany, Teak and other exotic tropical wood. Chrome and brass
fittings and ornaments constitute the excellence of our model ships. Extensive
research through original plans and pictures make our ship models authentic.
Each model ship goes through a demanding quality control process before leaving
the workshop. It’s just the perfect gift for home or office decorator,
boat enthusiast or passionate collector. This item is fully assembled and ready
for display.
Click
on image above to view!
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