Restoration of a Button Swan Catboat

Button Swan was a 19th-century fisherman and boat builder whose legacy is celebrated at Mystic Seaport. Born in Newport in 1833 as William Henry Monroe, he was adopted by his uncle, Newport fisherman John Swan, and became known as Button Swan due to his diminutive size. He was renowned for his skills in fishing and boat building, particularly for designing and building the Button Swan, a catboat that became a significant part of maritime history.

The Button Swan, built in 1875, is a 148-year-old catboat that is now a permanent fixture in Mystic Seaport's collection. It is considered by many to be the oldest and best catboat that ever sailed the Narragansett Bay. The boat was rediscovered in a Wickford-area barn by Cyrus Perrin Brown, who donated it to Mystic Seaport, where it was carefully restored. This catboat is an eloquent memorial to Button Swan, showcasing his unique contributions to boat design and the rich maritime heritage of the Narragansett Bay area.

More background about Button Swan: 

• Button Swan’s proud, colorful legacy lives on
• Button Swan on display at Mystic Seaport Museum
  

A Button Swan boat built by Oarlock & Sail Wooden Boat Club, Vancouver, B.C. under sail.

JGTSCA Member Alan Schaeffer Plans to Restore His "Button Swan" Catboat

My boat was built by a western Pennsylvania builder in 1975, the same year Bob Baker made plans available through Mystic Seaport Museum. He built her with glued lapstrake plywood over sawn frames, with tight-laid floorboards and ceiling planks. There is more to say, but there's a start.

I got the boat in 2013 and sailed her for several years form a mooring on the Mystic River, right opposite Mystic Seaport Museum. However, I had to haul her and took her home for some problem solving:

• She had a hanked-on cotton sail, which was not workable stowed on the boom while on a mooring. I did find a Beetle Cat sail, but I need to decide how best to hank it on. 
  
• I also think the rudder inadequate so will be building a new rudder and tiller. 
• I want to drill and epoxy some limber holes in the frames as this was never done by the builder, a fresh-water sailor and not as clear-thinking as I would have liked in some of his building choices. 
• She needs basic scrape and paint, as you might expect. While I don't think there is any significant rot, it is possible. (Refer to limber holes.)

There's a start on my project. I look forward to talking with interested TSCA members about mu unique little boat.

One more thing; she is a drop-dead beautiful little boat that needs to get back to the water. I look forward to talking with you about Button Swan.

Thanks!
Alan