The Spirit Scow

Do you remember the scow built with hand tools of antiquity by the Crystal River Boat Builders? The USS WARTAPPO was used by the East Gulf Coast Blockading Squadron along the Crystal River shore of Florida during the US Civil War.

Dave Lucas and Bill Whalen sent us an update to this story along with a video. The soundtrack is a song written for the scow by a band calling themselves "7 lbs of Bacon". Even if you're not impressed by sea chanties, you'll have to admit this big scow (36 feet) moves along nicely.

The CRBB have named their scow Spirit and that's what the song is about. Be sure to follow the link above for the back-story.








Happy sailing, SV Spirit!  Thanks to Dave, Bill and the Crystal River Boat Builders for the photos and video.
And thanks to 7 lbs of Bacon. Too much fun!

Crystal River Boat Builders

Remember those boat builders in Florida who are building an American Civil War scow using period tools? They've turned the hull over and finished the planking.

The scale of this vessel is impressive. You can see, it's difficult to get the whole boat framed in a single shot. Not hard to imagine it full of precious cargo, trying to run a blockade.

Quite a formidable boat!

You can follow the Crystal River Boat Builders on Facebook.

The Captain's view.

USS WARTAPPO: Length 36ft. Beam 12ft.






Dave Lucas was there for the boat turning and gives us this "action packed" video: