13. Deck Bitts, Fluke Pipe,
and Belly Chain Chock
A whaler has three important bitts and
corresponding chocks on its starboard
side. Forward is the fluke chain bitt to
which a chain is attached. It feeds
through the fluke pipe in the hull. The
chain is tied to the whale’s tail when
cutting-in. At midships is the belly
chain bitt. A chain feeds through the
belly chain fairlead chock at the rail. Aft
is the head bitt. Its chain feeds through
one of the oblong chocks along the rail.
Make the bitts from wood and a brass
pin (Figure 5-10 ). Chocks and fluke
pipe are Britannia. Drill and file the
correct diameter hole in the deck for
the fluke pipe, then glue it in place.
Unless the model will be displayed
with a whale alongside, omit the chain.
Or, tie the chain to the bitts and pile
some on deck beside them.
14. Port Rail and Whaleboat
Loggerheads
Loggerheads are Britannia. Drill and
glue them to the port rail and in each
whaleboat as shown on the plans.
15. Mooring Chocks and
Hawse Pipes
The forward round mooring chock,
oblong chocks along the rail, and
anchor hawse pipes are Britannia.
Mount them per the plans. Make cavils
from stripwood and install along the
inside of the bulwarks.
16. Open Chocks, Starboard
Rail Chock, and Cleats
Along the rails are small cleats and
open chocks in addition to a larger
open chock on the starboard rail. These
are Britannia. Install according to the
plans. Glue and peg if a rigging line
will put strain on them.
17. Eyebolts
Eyebolt locations are shown on the hull
and rigging plans. The kit has a suffi-
cient number of them. Drill a hole to
accept each one. Using a toothpick or
Microbrush, spread a thin film of
cyano on the bolt, then insert. Don’t
overdo the glue. Tug on the eyebolt to
check that it will not come out.
22
Fig. 5-9 Anchor Stowage
Anchor deck
Anchor
lashing
rings
Inboard
Outboard
Toggle thru chain
Chain
Chain
