San Pans

[Greg Luckett]

I have been hunting some pictures of San Pans, the small, motorless boats used in the Orient, but without success. I am wondering about their construction details and designs.

I need help finding this information and hope someone here can help.

Thanks

[Greg Luckett]

I found a few pics. Looks like some sort of lapstrake construction to me.

[Guest Oyster]

If I recall correctly, the Center for Wooden Boats in Seattle had a fe smaller ones hanging in their entrance the last time I was there. Maybe the captian of the big red truck knows a bit more.

[capt jake]

If I recall correctly' date=' the Center for Wooden Boats in Seattle had a fe smaller ones hanging in their entrance the last time I was there. Maybe the captian of the big red truck knows a bit more.[/quote']

Seems like they did, but it has been over a year since I was there. I avoid Seattle like the plague. I might have to go up there to Alaska Brass and Copper for some rubrail though. :cry:

[Greg Luckett]

I like the sweep of the bows on the sanpan. I found another interesting pic but do not know if it is a sanpan.

[Charlie Jones]

Greg- I BELIEVE they are called sampans

[Bill Paxton]

Charlie is right. If you plug "sampan" into Google you'll find lots of websites and photos.

[Tom Lathrop]

Having spent some time among sampans, I wondered if sanpan was something different. The round hulled one is different from normal though.

[Greg Luckett]

Thanks guys, that sure did bring up a lot. I wish I had been smart enough to think of trying other spellings.

Wikipedia says: "The term sampan literally means three planks in Cantonese language, it is derived from the words Sam (three) and pan (plank)." (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sampan)

This is interesting. 3 plank construction. Think of it. One of the most commonly built boat designs in the world, maybe the precursor to many other designs too, and we hear so little about it. I had to shift my thinking from targeting to building, to even consider this concept. I wish now that I had spent more time really looking at their construction when I was in Asia many years ago. The sweep of the bow on the larger sampans should enable them to handle waves better?

This is fun to consider as a design. I may try making some models this winter. Too darn cold out now, even with the kerosene heaters, to really build much.

[Guest Oyster]

Cold? Naw, use some of the clothing that you have experience with and go sailing like I have done this week with some Floridians that actually vacation and do. You getting soft there, fellow? Today and tommorrow will require repeat performances, except with some reefing in the main, ARGGHHH!!!! Its supposed to be 55 and maybe hit sixty, depending on the antifreeze. :wink:

[Greg Luckett]

Oyster, 55 to 60 is summer weather here....at least at night, and often during the day even in July....so that would be a heat wave.

I suppose you are right...I have gotten soft in my old age.

[capt.lucky]

you might think about building one with plywood lapstrake we have had good luck with it on pea pods

[Greg Luckett]

you might think about building one with plywood lapstrake we have had good luck with it on pea pods

I like your suggestion. That is what I would probably use, having used it to build a lobster boat last year. I need to learn more about the construction of Sampans. The quest has begun!

[Guest Oyster]

you might think about building one with plywood lapstrake we have had good luck with it on pea pods

I like your suggestion. That is what I would probably use' date=' having used it to build a lobster boat last year. I need to learn more about the construction of Sampans. The quest has begun! [/quote']

Tell us more of what has sparked your interest? And speaking of Sam and even Ben.................................

[Greg Luckett]

you might think about building one with plywood lapstrake we have had good luck with it on pea pods

I like your suggestion. That is what I would probably use' date=' having used it to build a lobster boat last year. I need to learn more about the construction of Sampans. The quest has begun! [/quote']

Tell us more of what has sparked your interest? And speaking of Sam and even Ben.................................

Probably winter insanity, or sitting and watching the History Channel too much or both? As to the boys, they seem to spend their free time between electronic games and playing in the ravine. I can look out my office's back window and usually see a pack of kids and dogs running amuck down there....sleds and who knows what else?

[sobarr02]

found here they have something on everything, basic resource!! copy &paste to address bar

http://www.boat-links.com/boatlink.html

[RSdaCat]

Hello everyone! I am just a newbie..don't even have a boat..yet

Now that sounds like a country song

I thought instead of lurking I might share this link for a Sampan for sail(sic) on e-bay. It is not mine but I like to contribute

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWA%3AVRI&viewitem=&item=180105866541&rd=1,1

She is really pretty, tho not as pretty as a weekender in my own very unlearned, and humble opinion. Also, it is hand/home built so there are others who share your joy and interest in these Sampan boats. How cool is that!

Hope everyone is having a fantastic April!

[charlesrider]

http://www.friend.ly.net/~dadadata/junks.html