ID Maine Lobster boat styled half-hull

[stumpstalker]

This half model recently turned up in a thrift shop in Albion, Maine and has been acquired by a man who would like any info. that can be obtained about it.

The model length is 31-1/2 inches.

It appears to be in the “skeg-built” as opposed to the “built-down” Maine Lobster boat style, more associated with “Downeast” Maine, i.e. the Jonesport area, than Casco Bay and Boothbay Central Maine Coast region.

If a boat had been built from the model it was likely named DANCER, as in, the Reindeer that comes after Dasher and before Prancer. You can see “DANCER” penciled on the bow.

If so, there may even have been a series of builds so named, inspired by the Clement Clarke Moore Christmas poem.


A model can be used as a toy, or a decoration, too; but this one being so unfinished and a half-model at that, I would identify as a boat-builder’s model, as was typically used by many Maine builders that had no experience working from plans.


Does anyone have knowledge of a boat or series of boats that might be connected with the model?

[StevenBauer]

Maybe Sea Dancer from Vinalhaven? There are a few faded letters in front of Dancer….

4FCABB92-C807-4555-B17B-924EA8559612.jpg

https://www.flickr.com/photos/gwensylvester/5941630922

Built by Farrin’s Boatshop, Walpole, Maine in 1999. 38’

[stumpstalker]

Steven:

There's a lead for me to run down.

And, good eye on those vestigial letters.

Thank you.

[Ben Fuller]

Check with the Beals Island Historical Society folks.

[stumpstalker]

Ben Fuller:

Excellent idea, has been pursued already, and thank you for proposing it.

[Breakaway]

If deer is the suspected theme, perhaps investigate boats built or used at Deer Isle?

Good luck!

Kevin

[stumpstalker]

Kevin:

That is an idea we will pursue.

Thanks

[stumpstalker]

Bruce Farrin does not believe that the model has anything to do with the boat (SEA DANCER) that his shop built.

Wooden models seem to fall into one of three categories: for boat-builders to work from, decorations, or toys. Doesn't the one pictured above look like it would be a builder's model?

[Ben Fuller]

Builder's models like this lift model usually can be taken apart. And the lifts sometimes have marks for the stations. Can this one come apart?

[stumpstalker]

The owner says that there are "faint marks for the waterline and stations on the flat side. Waterline only on the outside. But it is nailed and glued together. One nail visible on the top".

He is disinclined to attempt any disassembly, though, even if it might bring some answers to light.

[Ben Fuller]

Those marks are the tell tale for builders models. Owner doesn't need to take apart only that it once was.

[stumpstalker]

Ben F.:
Thank you.

[Peerie Maa]

Builder's models like this lift model usually can be taken apart. And the lifts sometimes have marks for the stations. Can this one come apart?

You do not need to take a builders model apart. You can use calipers or a strip of lead to lift the shape of the stations and work from there, just like taking the lines off of a full size hull.
Builders also worked from shadow or birds-nest models that were defined by the shape of the stations, not the level lines.

[stumpstalker]

What is of interest to the owner is determining if an identifiable boat had been built from the model. Taking it apart, however, may be relevant if something indicative of provenance can come to light. Was any such practice customary in that regard with Maine boat builders?

[Peerie Maa]

What is of interest to the owner is determining if an identifiable boat had been built from the model. Taking it apart, however, may be relevant if something indicative of provenance can come to light. Was any such practice customary in that regard with Maine boat builders?

I doubt whether anything would have been written on the individual lifts.
It will have been written on the CL face, or on a board defining the stem/keel/rudder fastened to the back face.