Nautical
Schanck, John
Draftsman
References to the vessel with three sliding keels
Description
Original draft showing four profile views of a single masted sloop representing construction and different positions of three keels with written description of how to use the sliding keels (centerboards) to control and steer the vessel under sail without use of a rudder. Also represented is a smaller boat with one long sliding keel and the following description: "A Boat buil at Boston for Lord Piercy in 1774, with one sliding keel, by which she could be worked without the rudder. Scale at bottom of plan.
This is one of four plans that appear to be associated with an early developer of a Western sliding keel, naval architect and British Admiral, John Schanck (1740-1823). Lieutenant Schanck was stationed in Boston before the Revolution and his first experiment with sliding keels appears to be represented in this plan. The date of this and the other related sliding keel plans in Clark Collection is not clear.
Related people
