The Alma - Midwest 972 San Francisco Bay Scow Schooner

One of Ship 300's long-term ambitions is to build their own replica of the Alma Scow Schooner.

Ship 300's Skipper, Shirley Reekie, is testing a Scow Schooner model boat kit to demonstrate boatbuilding and rigging to Sea Scouts and Explorers.

See the history of Scow Schooners and the Alma, information about the model kit, example pictures of what the model should look like when complete, and progress pictures from Skipper Reekie's build.

History of Scow Schooners and the Alma

During the last half of the 19th century, the San Francisco Bay Scow Schooner was the workhorse of the Pacific Coast and inland waterway. These “Square-Toed Packets” ranged the coast from Alaska to Mexico. Although wide in their variety, nearly all were built on the San Francisco Bay, but migrated along the coast in Summer and early Fall. A design influenced only by purpose and environment, the San Francisco Bay Scow Schooner represented a perfected design. Their short, wide, flat hulls were unparalleled in their ability to carry cargo up the shallowest of rivers or narrowest of sloughs. Their sharp rocker and narrow ends maintained sailing characteristics which under the right conditions were competitive with their deep bellied cousins. Only in the steep chop of the open ocean was the Scow rivaled by the blue water sailor.

Unparalleled in the world, the San Francisco Bay Scow Schooner was unlike any of her distant cousins in both construction and design. Narrow transoms, generous bottom rocker, and lofty rig were typical features recorded in historical notes and photographs. These little ships were built with no deadrise to heir sections and perfectly plumb sides. They were usually built without plans, and each was probably built exactly as every other built by the same man. Although Scow varied in length from 34 feet (Kate 1851), to 87 feet (Edith 1906), the average Scow Schooner was 40 to 60 feet in length.

Alma is an 1891-built scow schooner, which is now preserved as a National Historic Landmark at the San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park in San Francisco, California.

Outboard profile of the Alma Scow Schooner

Description of the Alma Scow Schooner with illustration

Deck Plan/Outboard profile of the Alma Scow Schooner

Planking Plans of the Alma Scow Schooner

Mechanical Arrangements of the Alma Scow Schooner

About The Model Kit

Great modeling experience: Some prior building experience building wooden boats is recommended. Contains parts that require cutting, fitting and shaping.
Complete fittings set: Laser Cut Quality Basswood and Parts; Sail 7 Cordage, Mast Hoops, Brass Wire, Rigging and Cast Metal Trawl Rigs; Authentic Anchor Winch & Gears, Winch Drums, Hawse Holes, Chain for Anchor and Bobstay; Display Stand Included.
Detailed instructions: included is a fully illustrated 64-pages instructions manual that will guide you through the building process for a smooth and successful experience.
Historically accurate: Modeled after the original boat and perfectly scaled. Build a piece of American History.

Model Details

Model Name: San Francisco Bay Scow Schooner
Manufacturer/Brand Name: Model Expo
Set Name: Midwest
Manufacturer Part Number: MID997
Model Number: MID997
Made in the USA
Size: 17 inches long, 4.2 inches wide, 17.2 inches high
Material Type: Wood

Build Your Own!

You Can Build Many Wood Ship Models!

Midwest's line of Success Series boat kits are designed and engineered to provide you a successful and enjoyable experience. All of Midwest's Apprentice Series model kits contain Laser-cut Basswood parts and an extensive all English, illustrated, step-by-step manual that makes building a pleasure. Build a little piece of American history. Midwest's Apprentice Boats are modeled after the original boats used in the 1800s and early 1900s. When you build these boats, you will learn real boat building techniques.