THE PLANS
Historical drawings and technical records
We are continuing to search for the original construction plans for the 1978 Bounty replica, built by Whangarei Engineering & Construction Ltd. in New Zealand. The drawings below show the original HMS Bounty, built in 1767. They provide historical context for the vessel the 1978 replica was designed to recreate.
Drawings of the original HMS Bounty, built in 1787, including its sail plan and deck arrangements. These images provide context for the historical vessel that the 1978 replica sought to recreate.
H.M. Armed Vessel “Bounty” — Reconstructed Sketch of Rig
This technical pamphlet documents aspects of the 1978 Bounty replica’s design and construction. It includes a reconstructed sketch of the rig and a list of the vessel’s principal dimensions, materials and sailing details.
The pamphlet describes a ship built with a steel structure and timber finishes, combining modern construction with an exterior intended to reproduce the appearance of the eighteenth-century vessel.
Specifications recorded in the pamphlet:
Length on deck: 85 ft 10 in
Sail area: 10,000 square feet
Rigging: 11 miles
Blocks: 650, made from English ash and elm
Masts and spars: 700 cubic feet of British Columbian pine
Decking: New Zealand tānekaha
Side planking: Iroko
Draught: 11 ft 6 in
Reported speed: 7.5 knots before the wind under 50% canvas
These figures are transcribed from the pamphlet and are presented as its published specifications, rather than independently verified measurements.
Archival note: The pamphlet includes a reconstructed rig drawing and credits Baigent Print Ltd, Commerce Street, Whangārei, for printing. The publication date and original commissioning organisation have not yet been established.
Collection: Naval Technical Documents
Document type: Technical pamphlet and rig illustration