About Our Half Hull Ship Models

The use of half hull models in ship design dates back to the late 18th century. The shipwright would carve his model hull into the shape he desired and once satisfied with the result, would begin construction of his ship, using the half hull model as a reference. The model’s form would be ‘taken off’ of ‘lofted’ from the model to shape the various frames of the actual ship. These models were functional, not decorative, hence there are no details included, just the hull shape. If any details were included, they were usually painted on, not carved. My addition of sails on these models bridges the utilitarian use of the model to the artistic use. As in the original practice, note that there is usually no deck or ‘deck furniture’, so the models are best viewed from an angle slightly below the top rail of the ship so the deck is not observed. The originals were usually made of any utility lumber such as pine, basswood, fir, etc., but I use only select hardwoods, i.e., wenge, aspen, holly, walnut, maple, padauk, bloodwood, mahogany, and obeche to bring out the beauty of the hull form. The only items not made from ‘scratch’ are fittings such as blocks, deadeyes or ships wheels, but even these can be scratch-built, if that is what you require.

Each model is based on an historic ship whose plan can be found in the Smithsonian Collection of Ship Plans or other historic sources such as Howard Chapelle’s “The History of American Sailing Ships” and “The History of The American Sailing Navy.” Each model is one of a kind. If more than one of a particular ship is built, no two will be the same. A different scale, wood, orientation, etc., will be used so you will be assured to have a unique piece of nautical art.

As I build each model one at a time in my home shop, I can customize the model you want. This includes the scale (size), woods used, and the plaque design. Some of the models listed on this site are in various stores so would not be available immediately. Allow up to 8 to 12 weeks for delivery if I have to make a model from scratch. If you have a particular ship in mind that does not appear here, I can still build it as long as I can get the plans. Please call or e-mail with any questions you might have.

The Craftsman

John Bowen is a Texas artisan residing in the DFW metroplex area. He began building ship models as a hobby after graduating from the the US Air Force Academy in 1976. (During a 23 year active/reserve Air Force career he flew T-37s, T-38s, KC-135s and the U-2, and was an Air Force Academy Liaison Officer) In early 2007 he decided to sell his half hull ship models to the public after devising a way of depicting realistic sails using a laminated wood process that is unique to the craft.

When not in the shop, John can be found flying international flights out of the DFW Airport as a 777 First Officer. He a is member of the Nautical Research Guild and the North Texas Woodworkers Association. He founded the North Texas Ship Model Club in 2002. In addition to the Laurel Tree, (Lake Conroe, TX), his work is also displayed in shops in College Station & Grapevine, TX and Annapolis, MD.

In 2007, he teamed up with Dean Dickson (HeartWood Design) who handcrafts authentic 19th century sea chests, and together they display their nautical artwork at Texas art shows and festivals.