I received this restoration project as a battered up hull, no superstructure, rigging or name. The client said it was a model of a West Coast five mast steam auxiliary lumber carrier, identified by deck placement and prop configuration. The hull was originally wood strips on frames with decks constructed out of wood strips on frames as well, dated between 1909 and 1920.

Care was taken to preserve the crackle finish on the decks and undergo a plan for placement of hatches, deck houses and smoke stack. Extensive re-conditioning of the 5 foot hull was needed.

A rudder and 2 propellers had to be constructed.

Research took a few months as I contacted various marine heritage libraries and historical societies of Puget Sound, resulting in a positive identification of the ship as the “Santino”,  a replica of a ship that was built in Grays Harbour, Washington around 1909.

Deck houses, wheelhouse and steam shack were constructed. Smoke stack created out of brass tube.

Masts stepped with bitts and fife rails. Chain plates and fittings began to take shape. Poop railings fashioned and installed.

Bitts and fife rails were created but belaying pins were purchased separate. Started carving

Found objects from old clocks, brass plate and lathed brass stock were used to create a steam winch for bow.

Steam winch installed, Fife rail on and mast stepped. Anchor attached to chain.

Masted were constructed from ash wood. Paper sail templates were measured out before giving them to a tailor for sewing.

83 Blocks were constructed from Boxwood for rigging.

Detail of wheelhouse, lifeboat with blocks and davits. Shroud turnbuckles and portion of ratlines shown. Crackle finish on deck preserved.

More detail of masts with mast rings. Cotton sails with reef points, and blocks. Boom lacings and blocks.

Details of bowsprit sails, bobstays, shrouds and rigging. Complete deck winch and hatch boards. Cotton foresail and jibs installed with sheets.

Boom lacings and Main sheet block details.

“Santino” goes to owners home.