HMM History Lecture - Details Matter: Traditional Ropework on Small Craft

The Houston Maritime Museum presents an HMM History Lecture on the second Tuesday of each month. The next lecture, Details Matter: Traditional Ropework on Small Craft with Al Meyer.

In recent years there has been a resurgence in classic-styled small craft. Modern materials and construction techniques, combined with traditional lines have resulted in beautiful boats that are a joy to own. Fitting out can dramatically affect the final appearance of the craft.

Details matter.

Contemporary products are well engineered and perform admirably, but multicolored braided line, white plastic fenders, and a profusion of stainless steel fittings appear anachronistic on a classic-styled boat. Outfitting the craft with traditional rope work and fittings is well within the reach of the amateur, and in some cases can result in substantial savings in cost with little impact on performance.

Far from being a "lost art", many traditional projects can be accomplished by the amateur with a minimum of tools and a modest amount of effort.

Al Meyer is a member of the Houston Maritime Museum, the Gulf Coast Ship Modelers Society, Houston Sail and Power Squadron, and the Traditional Small Craft Association.