The Mystery Of Bottled Boats: How Are They Built?

Building a ship in a bottle is a traditional maritime art form. The oldest surviving ships in a bottle were crafted by Giovanni Biondo at the end of the 18th century. The practice became more popular in the second half of the 19th century, after the introduction of cheap, mass-produced bottles made with clear glass. Today, it is considered a hobby or a form of folk art. While it may seem impossible to fit a boat through a bottle's mouth, there are two main ways to do it. The first is to construct the ship in parts, pushing it through the bottle opening by flattening the sails and mast along the hull, and then raising the masts and sails once inside the bottle. The second method is to build the entire ship inside the bottle using specialised long-handled tools.

Choose the right bottle

Choosing the right bottle is crucial when it comes to building a ship in a bottle. The bottle you select should complement the ship without obscuring it. Here are some factors to consider when choosing the right bottle:

Size and Shape

The shape of the bottle will determine the type of ship you can build. For instance, a tall, narrow bottle is ideal for a tall ship, while a big square-rigged clipper would not fit. Consider the size of the ship you plan to construct, and select a bottle with a larger mouth if necessary. Ensure the ship's hull and other components can pass through the bottle's opening.

Clarity and Details

Opt for a bottle with clear glass, free from visible seams, flaws, or raised lettering. These imperfections can detract from the overall appearance of the ship and make it difficult to appreciate the intricate details of your creation. The classic choice for a ship in a bottle is the Haig Dimple whisky bottle, known for its short neck and flattened sides, which also prevent it from rolling away.

Colour and Tint

Bottles with minor distortions and soft tints can be used strategically to hide small details of the ship, such as hinges on the masts. However, be mindful that the bottle you choose should still highlight the ship without obscuring it.

Stability

Consider the stability of the bottle, especially if you plan to display your creation. The Haig Dimple whisky bottle, for example, is not only classic but also stable due to its flattened sides, reducing the likelihood of it rolling away.

Type of Ship

The type of ship you plan to build will influence your bottle choice. For beginners, a waterline ship is a great option as it sits atop a sea made of modelling clay or putty, eliminating the need to create a full hull that fits through the bottle's opening. Consider building a schooner, as its sails will create an impressive and bewildering effect inside the bottle, capturing the essence of this folk art.

Remember, the right bottle will enhance the beauty and intrigue of your ship-in-a-bottle creation, so take your time in selecting one that meets these criteria.

Build the ship's hull

Building the hull of a ship-in-a-bottle is a delicate process that requires patience and a steady hand. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to build the hull for a ship-in-a-bottle:

Choosing the Right Wood

Select a soft wood such as basswood, pine, or balsa wood for your ship's hull. The wood should be thin enough to fit through the bottle's opening, with a depth of about 1/2 inch (13 mm) and a width of 1 inch (25 mm). You can find these types of wood at craft stores, either as part of a kit or as separate pieces.

Drawing and Drilling

Begin by drawing the ship in the size and shape you desire. For the hull, draw and drill holes through the wood that will form the upper and lower parts. Insert toothpicks or wooden sticks from cotton swabs into the holes to keep the wood pieces aligned during construction.

Sanding and Shaping

Now, start sanding the wood to shape the hull. Use a belt sander for the initial rough shape, and then work with finer tools like a sanding drum on a Dremel tool, and finally, finish with sandpaper for a smooth surface. Keep checking the hull against the bottle opening to ensure it will fit. Remember, the hull will already be larger than the bottle opening, so it cannot be a solid piece of wood.

Adding the Keel and Rudder

Attach the keel and rudder to the bottom of the hull. You can purchase thin pieces of wood for this from craft stores, saving you time. Use a piece of 1/16 X 1/16 strip for the keel, and also for the rail on the top of the deck.

Painting the Hull

Before assembling the ship, paint the various pieces of the hull. This is easier than trying to paint the hull once it's assembled. Once the paint dries, glue the upper and lower halves of the hull together.

Final Checks

Check the hull against the bottle opening once more. The hull should be slightly smaller than the opening to ensure a smooth insertion later. Make any final adjustments to the hull, and you're now ready to move on to the next steps of building your ship-in-a-bottle!

Rig the masts and sails

Rigging a ship in a bottle is a delicate art that requires patience and precision. Here are some detailed instructions on how to rig the masts and sails:

Preparing the Masts and Sails:

Before you begin, gather the necessary materials: wooden masts, spars, toothpicks or wire for rigging, sails made from thin paper or fabric, scissors, and glue. Decide on the number of masts your ship will have—typically, there is a central mast with additional masts connected to it.

Create the masts and spars separately, ensuring they can fold down to fit through the bottle's neck. The central mast should have a hinge at the base to allow for folding, while the other masts can be attached to the central mast using wire or thread.

For the sails, cut thin paper or fabric into the desired shape and size. Attach the sails loosely to the masts, allowing them to fold easily as the masts will need to pass through the bottleneck. Soaking the paper or fabric in coffee or tea beforehand can give the sails an aged appearance.

Inserting the Masts and Sails:

With your ship's hull and deck already inside the bottle, it's now time to insert the masts and sails. Use long, thin tweezers or custom tools to pass each piece of the assembled masts, spars, and sails into the bottle, one piece at a time.

Gently guide the masts through the bottleneck, being careful not to damage the sails or rigging. Once the masts are inside the bottle, carefully pull them upright, ensuring they are straight and secure.

Rigging the Masts and Sails:

Rigging the masts and sails correctly is crucial for stability and an accurate representation of a ship. This step may be challenging due to the confined space and limited visibility and access inside the bottle.

Use tweezers to tighten and secure the rigging. Ensure that the sails are properly trimmed and attached to the masts and booms. Adjust the tension on the rigging to create the desired shape and fullness of the sails.

Final Adjustments:

Check that all components are secure and make any necessary adjustments. Add finishing touches, such as miniature flags or pendants, to the masts and rigging. Ensure that the sails are secured in place and won't unravel or become tangled inside the bottle.

Finally, clean the inside of the bottle using a long brush or cloth to remove any dust or debris from the assembly process. Your ship in a bottle is now complete!

Insert the ship into the bottle

Inserting the ship into the bottle is a delicate process that requires patience and a steady hand. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

Firstly, ensure that your ship is properly secured and that the glue is completely dry. It is important to wait for the glue to dry to avoid any mishaps during the insertion process. Once the glue is dry, you can start preparing the bottle.

Clean your bottle with soap and water, and let it dry completely. You want to make sure that the inside of the bottle is free of any dirt or debris that could interfere with the placement of your ship. A thorough cleaning will ensure that your ship has a smooth surface to rest on.

Line the inside bottom of the bottle with wood putty or a similar adhesive substance. This step is crucial as it will help your ship stay in place and prevent it from falling over inside the bottle. You can also use glue or epoxy, but you will need to work quickly before it dries.

Now, it's time to prepare your ship for insertion. Flatten the sails and mast alongside the hull, following the instructions that came with your ship kit. This step is important as it ensures that your ship will fit through the bottle's opening.

Carefully push the ship through the bottle's opening, stern-first. Hold the masts down with your fingers and slowly guide the ship into the bottle until the hull touches the adhesive substance at the bottom. Be gentle and take your time during this step to avoid damaging your ship or the bottle.

Once the ship is inside the bottle, use a metal rod or a similar tool to adjust its alignment and secure it in place. Make sure the ship is firmly against the bottom of the bottle and is not tilted or lopsided.

Finally, if desired, you can finish your creation by corking the bottle. A cork adds a decorative and traditional touch to your ship in a bottle.

Remember, the key to successfully inserting a ship into a bottle is patience and attention to detail. Take your time, and don't be afraid to make adjustments as you go. With careful planning and execution, you'll be able to create a beautiful and whimsical ship in a bottle.

Cork the bottle

Once you've built your ship and placed it inside the bottle, you might think your work is done. However, there are a few more steps to take to ensure your ship is secure and your bottle looks the part.

Firstly, you'll want to add some wood putty or glue to the inside bottom of the bottle. This will help your ship stick to the inside of the bottle and prevent it from falling over. You can also paint the bottom of the bottle blue to create the illusion that the ship is floating on water and to hide the putty or glue.

Next, you'll need to push the boat through the bottle's mouth, stern-first. The stern is the front side of the boat, which is usually the side with the largest sails. You may need to hold the masts down with your fingers as you push the boat in. Be careful and take your time with this step, as you don't want to damage your ship after all your hard work!

Once the hull of your ship touches the wood putty or glue at the bottom of the bottle, you can adjust its alignment using a metal rod. Push the rod through the opening of the bottle and tap it against the boat to nudge it into the correct position.

Finally, you can finish off your creation by adding a cork to the bottle. This is a decorative and traditional way to complete your ship in a bottle. Simply place the cork in the bottle's mouth and push it in as far as it will go to keep it secure.

Frequently asked questions