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HMS Snake converted to HMS
Havick, built by Neil Mahrer
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Comments:
HMS Havick
HMS Havick was a quarterdeck sloop, originally Dutch built in 1784. After
its capture by the Royal Navy it served in the channel until it was wrecked
on a Jersey beach in November 1800 by a terrible storm. As museum conservator
with the Jersey Heritage Trust I had worked on the treatment and display
of artifacts from the wreck and became very interested in the ship. We had
wanted to commission a professionally made model of the ship but could not
meet the £30,000 price tag so I suggested that I might convert the
Caldercraft model of the HMS Snake into the Havick instead as the two ships
were virtually identical in dimensions and period.
I had never built a wooden model before and until I compared the 1797 shipyard
plans of the Havick to those of the Snake I never realized that I would
effectively have to build the hull from scratch. The Snake kit provided
virtually all I required however and by cutting down the bulkheads and keel
I got the new profile quite easily. I scratch built the stern and bow details
with a mixture of Milliput, wood scraps and Plasticard. The planks and other
fittings from the Snake kit were perfect for the conversion and I used the
masts and rigging with only modest alteration.
The model is now on display in the Maritime Museum in Jersey and I would
urge anyone who wants a “one off” model to consider converting
one as I have. As a complete beginner I was learning as I was making the
kit but the materials and instructions were of high quality and I must admit
to being pleased with the results. Inspired by this model I am now going
on to convert the Caldercraft Agamemnon into the 1736 HMS Jersey.
Neil Mahrer
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