Question for A. Mason

[Larry P.]

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid48/p7dc091e2aa75682a80e9388e327fd975/fcbe5ef3.jpg

Hi Anita I'm currently restoring an SS Sloop. These boats were designed by Ben Hallock a local boatbuilder (circa 1908) for the Westhampton Yacht Club here on Long Island.

Ben used a half hull model to construct his boats. After Ben died the class association decided to have plans drawn up. It turns out the a cross section of boats were measured and plans drawn by Al Mason of Sparkman and Stevens.

Just curious of you might have any info that your father may have collected on these boats.

Thanks
Larry Pasciutti

[A. Mason]

Your question is a tough one. Al was often asked to take the lines off an existing hull. In this case, the background info would be in the archives of S&S.

I have not come across a file folder for this design, that I know of, but I have't thoroughly cataloged Al's work with S&S or Rhodes yet. Al was known as a "walking encyclopedia" of boating with a photographic memory and instant recall. The down side of that is he had no filing system. Seven years after his death and I am still finding bits and pieces that need to get properly filed.

I would suggest contacting Mystic Seaport's Ships Plans Department for further info on this design. They possess the archives of S&S's early work.

Last I heard, S&S founder Olin Stephens is still quite active. Mystic should be able to forward a message to him about this design.

Olin was very much a hands-on type of employer and worked side-by-side with his team of designers. If anyone knows the exact details of the SS sloop, it would be Olin.

Hope this helps,
Anita